Unfair Dismissal – Legal Advice & Settlement Agreements (England & Wales)
Unfair dismissal is when an employer terminates your employment without a fair reason or without following a fair process. In the UK, after 2 years of service, you gain the legal right not to be unfairly dismissed.
This means your employer must have a valid reason (such as misconduct, poor performance, redundancy, etc.) and follow a proper procedure (like investigations, warnings or hearings) before firing you. If they don’t, the dismissal may be considered “unfair”.
Even if you haven’t been at a job 2 years, certain reasons for firing you are automatically unfair – for example, dismissals due to pregnancy, whistleblowing, or asserting your legal rights are unlawful from day one.
When can a dismissal be classed as unfair? It might be unfair dismissal if any of the following apply:
- No Fair Reason: You were fired without a valid reason – for instance, your employer “didn’t”, didn’t you,” while” it isn’t acceptable.
- Lack of Procedure: Your employer did not follow a fair disciplinary process – for example, you had no warning or chance to improve before being fired.
- Discriminatory or Retaliatory Reason: You were dismissed for an illegal reason, such as pregnancy, age, race, or because you blew the whistle on wrongdoing. (These are automatically unfair and don’t tire after 2 years’ ice.)
- Selective Redundancy: You were made redundant in an unfair way – e.g. you were picked due to maternity leave or for raising a grievance, rather than genuine business needs.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you may have been unfairly dismissed. Our role is to explain your rights clearly so you can determine whether your employer broke the rules.
Using Settlement Agreements in Unfair Dismissal Cases
If you’ve unfairly dismissed (or have a potential claim), a settlement agreement can often be the best path to a resolution. A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract where you, the employee, receive something of value – usually a financial payment (and often a job reference or other terms) – in exchange for waiving your right to bring an unfair dismissal claim to an employment tribunal. Employers frequently offer settlement agreements to avoid the time, cost, and stress of defending a tribunal case. In fact, if you’re able to claim unfair dismissal, your employer might propose a settlement to resolve the matter quickly.
How does a settlement agreement help? For employees, it provides fast, assured compensation without the uncertainty of a tribunal. You get an agreed sum (often tax-free up to £30,000) and closure, rather than waiting many months for a court outcome. For employers, it ensures a clean break and that you won’twon’tue legal action. It’s a mutual agreement to settle the dispute privately.
Necessary: You should always seek independent legal advice before signing any settlement agreement – in fact, it’s required by law. The good news is that in most cases, your employer pays for you to get legal advice on the agreement. (This is typically done through a fixed contribution to your solicitor’s.) A solicitor will review the offer and ensure it’s given your situation – and they can often negotiate a better deal for you. Remember, you’re obligated to accept a settlement if it’s good enough. Our unfair dismissal experts will honestly tell you if the offer is reasonable or if you have grounds to ask for more.
How Our Unfair Dismissal Solicitors Can Help You
If you’re facing potential unfair dismissal, our team is here to provide clear, caring, and effective legal assistance. Settlement Agreement Lawyers is a specialist firm for employees, and we pride ourselves on making the process as stress-free as possible for you. Here’Here’swe help:
- Employer-Funded Advice: In most cases, your employer covers our legal fees for advising you. We usually cap our fee at the employer’s contribution, meaning no cost to you in straightforward cases. You get expert advice without the worry of a hefty bill.
- Fixed Fees & No Hidden Costs: Even if extra negotiation is needed, we offer fixed or capped fees so you can budget with confidence. You’ll upfront what, if anything, you might pay – and we often recover costs from the employer as part of your settlement.
- Remote Nationwide Service: Our unfair dismissal solicitors assist clients across England and Wales. Wherever you are – London, Manchester, or a village in Wales – we can handle everything by phone, email, or video call. No need to travel; you’ll have the same warm, professional service from the comfort of your home.
- Fast Turnaround (24-Hour Certificate): Facing a tight deadline to sign an agreement quickly. An urgent review within 24 hours is available, and once you’re on board with the terms, we issue the solicitorCertificateate to your employer (often within one working day). Certificates mean your settlement can be finalised, and you get paid without delay.
- Expert, SRA-Regulated Solicitors: You’ll be advised by a seasoned employment law solicitor (not a junior clerk or call-centre agent). Our lawyers are fully qualified, SRA-regulated, and have handled countless unfair dismissal and settlement cases. We explain everything in plain English, answer all your questions, and ensure your rights are protected at every step.
- Confidential & Supportive Service: We understand how sensitive and emotional workplace issues can be. Your enquiry is 100% confidential – protected by solicitor-client privilege. We will never contact your employer without your permission. Above all, our approach is friendly and compassionate. From your first call, you’ll be ready to listen and put you at ease during this challenging time.
By choosing us, you’re getting legal advice – you’re in a partner and advocate who truly cares about achieving the best outcome for you. We handle the legal complexities and tough negotiations so that you can focus on your well-being and next steps.
Contact Us for Unfair Dismissal Legal Advice Today
Your career and peace of mind are too meaningful to leave in limbo. If you suspect you’ve been unfairly dismissed or have been offered a settlement agreement, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always happy to have an initial chat about your situation (with no obligation and no pressure). We’ll explain your options and how we can help so that you can make an informed decision.
Call us or request an appointment online to speak with one of our unfair dismissal solicitors. We offer prompt, confidential consultations and can often schedule same-day calls if your matter is urgent. Let us provide the clarity and support you need: whether it’s helping you securea better payout, communicating with your employer on your behalf, or simply reassuring you of your rights.
Take the next step – contact Settlement Agreement Lawyers today, and let us help turn your unfair dismissal experience into a favourable resolution. We’re here to fight your corner and get you the outcome you deserve so that you can move forward to a brighter future.
