• Unfair and Constructive Dismissal Legal Advice in Sussex

    If you have been dismissed by your employer without a justifiable reason, or your employer fails to follow correct procedures in terminating your employment contract, then you may have a reasonable case for unfair dismissal.

    From our Worthing office, 365 Employment Law supports employees in early conciliation and, where necessary, in preparing for and pursuing a claim for unfair dismissal in the employment tribunal. We help employees all across Sussex including Brighton, Bognor Regis, Worthing, Littlehampton, Chichester and more.

    What is Unfair dismissal?

    The ACAS Code sets out the minimum standard procedures an employer should follow to dismiss. ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service).

    Your dismissal could be unfair if your employer doesn’t:

    • have a good reason for dismissing you
    • follow the company’s formal disciplinary or dismissal process

    Reasons for unfair dismissal

    There are some reasons for dismissal that are automatically unfair, such as, because:

    • of your race, gender, sexual orientation or any of the other protected characteristics under the equality laws (you may have other claims as well)
    • you are pregnant (you may have other claims as well)
    • you try to assert your employment rights
    • you belong to a trade union or take part in lawful industrial action that lasts less than 12 weeks

    Other situations when your dismissal is likely to be unfair include if you:

    • asked for flexible working
    • refused to give up your working time rights
    • resigned and gave the correct notice period
    • joined a trade union
    • took part in legal industrial action that lasted 12 weeks or less
    • needed time off for jury service
    • applied for maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
    • were on maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
    • tried to enforce your right to receive Working Tax Credits
    • exposed wrongdoing in the workplace (whistleblowing)
    • were forced to retire (known as ‘compulsory retirement’)

    What is Constructive dismissal?

    Constructive dismissal is when you’re forced to leave your job against your will because of your employer’s conduct.

    The reason you leave your job must be serious, for example, your employer:

    • stops paying you or suddenly demotes you
    • forces you to accept unreasonable changes
    • allows other employees to harass or bully you

    Your employer’s breach of contract may be one serious incident or a series of incidents that are serious when taken together.

    Early conciliation and mediation

    If you’re threatened with dismissal (or are dismissed) you can get help to resolve the issue through early conciliation via ACAS who will act independently.

    ACAS will talk to both you and your employer about your dispute. It gives you the chance to come to an agreement without having to go to tribunal.

    ACAS will not act as your representative, but you can ask someone else to represent you in early conciliation if you do not want to represent yourself.

    365 Employment Law will advise you and take part in talks, making decisions and agreeing a settlement on your behalf.

    Making a claim for unfair dismissal

    If you fail to resolve the dispute through early conciliation, then the next step is to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal.

    To make a claim you (the claimant) must have been an employee and have been employed by the employer for a period of two years. There is no qualifying period if you’ve been dismissed because of your political opinions or affiliation. You’ll automatically have the right to go to an employment tribunal.

    In unfair dismissal claims, you must make the claim to a tribunal within three months of being dismissed.

    Why Choose 365 Employment Law?

    At 365 Employment Law, we offer employment law services for both contentious and non-contentious matters. We take a collaborative approach by partnering with law firms and HR professionals to gain unique regional insights.

    With our managing director, Alex Jones, having over 20 years experience in unfair dismissals and other areas of employment law, you can be sure our team can offer the best service possible. We prioritise best practices always and deliver top-quality guidance for workplace issues like unfair dismissal.

    For advice and guidance on whether you have a valid claim and how we can support you through the process, call us on 01903 863284 or use the contact form to detail your requirements. We operate across Sussex covering Brighton, Littlehampton, Chichester and Bognor Regis.

    Prices for employees claiming unfair dismissal

    A guide to costs for making a claim in employment law cases for unfair or wrongful dismissal

    Prices are for guidance and relate to our support in making a claim for unfair dismissal. If you have any queries, please contact Alex Jones. Alex Jones is an experienced employment law solicitor and director of 365 Employment Law.

    Unfair dismissal claim Price list September 2023

    The claim form outlining your case and the nature of the dispute: £950 + VAT
    Document that sets out the factual detail of your claim, and the legal basis for it: £950 – £1,150 + VAT
    The response form when a claim has been made against you: £1,100 – £1,500 + VAT
    Attending a telephone Case Management Hearing on your behalf: £950 – £1,400 + VAT
    Attending a preliminary hearing on your behalf at the Tribunal: £1,900 – £2,200 + VAT
    Dealing with disclosure for Claimant: £950 – 1,300 + VAT
    Dealing with Disclosure for Respondent: £1,100 – £1,600 + VAT
    Drafting initial Witness Statement: £1,200 – £1,400 + VAT
    Drafting extra Witness statements: £950 – £1,200 + VAT per statement
    Attendance at Employment Tribunal: £320 + VAT per hour

    These fees are a guide only and may be higher or lower dependent on complexity. We also offer Damages Based Agreements (no win, no fee) for Claimants.

    About Alex Jones

    Managing Director, Alex Jones, is a specialist employment law solicitor with nearly 20 years’ experience in all aspects of employment law. A former partner and Head of Employment Law at several Sussex-based practices, Alex has focused throughout his career on delivering high-quality, personalised employment law and discrimination advice.

    Improving efficiencies in employment law practice from 2008 to 2010, Alex was the Chairman of the LawNet Employment Group, a national group of employment solicitors which shared resources on training, knowledge and best practice in employment law. In this role, Alex chaired twice-yearly meetings to direct the training agenda of the group. From 2010 to 2014, Alex lectured in Employment Law and Employment Practice, for the Institute of Legal Executives Level 3 Course at Northbrook College, Worthing. A trusted adviser to business, Alex is a Business Mentor on the NatWest Accelerator Scheme and also a mentor through the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is unfair dismissal?

    Unfair dismissal refers to the termination of an employee’s employment contract in a way that is considered unjust, unreasonable, or in breach of employment laws or the terms of their employment agreement.

    What are some common examples of unfair dismissal?

    Common examples include termination based on discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, dismissal without proper notice or process, or firing an employee for exercising their legal rights.

    How do I know if my dismissal was unfair?

    If you believe you were dismissed unfairly, consult with an employment solicitor such as one of the team at 365 Employment Law who can review your case. Unfair dismissal can be based on various factors, so legal advice is important to assess your situation accurately.

    Can I negotiate a settlement for unfair dismissal in the UK without going to court?

    Yes, many unfair dismissal cases in the UK are resolved through negotiation or conciliation with the help of ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service). An experienced employment solicitor can assist you in exploring these options and potentially reaching a settlement.

    Can an employer dismiss an employee without providing a reason in the UK?

    Yes, in the UK, employers can terminate employment without providing specific reasons, as long as the dismissal is not discriminatory or in breach of employment law. However, they must follow proper procedures and provide notice or payment in lieu of notice.