Dismissal laws

Dismissal laws govern and set out the rules and procedures that employers must follow if they wish to dismiss an employee or group of employees. They also govern the grievance and disciplinary procedures that employers must have in place.

An employee is dismissed by an employer in any one of the following scenarios:

The employer terminates the employee's employment contract, with or without notice
The employee's fixed-term contract comes to an end and is not renewed
The employee terminates his employment contract with or without notice when his employer's conduct warrants him to terminate it without notice

Dismissal laws are extremely complex and often give rise to employment disputes. Breaches of dismissal laws by employers often result in employees making civil claims for unfair dismissal or unfair redundancy. In recent years we have seen a sharp rise in these claims and the level of compensation awarded to claimants.

It is therefore imperative that employers have an excellent working knowledge of the relevant dismissal laws and procedures that may apply. Closely linked to dismissal laws are the laws on sex, race, religion, disability and age discrimination. The UK now has legislation that outlaws discrimination on these grounds and employers must also ensure strict compliance with anti-discriminatory legislation.

Anti-harassment legislation is closely linked to dismissal laws as well. Employers must fully investigate and eradicate all complaints of harassment at work. Failure to do so could give rise to employees raising grievances under the relevant legislation.

If you would like to obtain legal advice on dismissal laws including unfair dismissal and unfair redundancy, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist Employment Solicitor free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local Employment Solicitors please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.