Publication date: 26.01.2026
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I am Sergey Maiko, your personal lawyer. My main goal is to help clients find effective and lawful solutions in complex employment disputes, ensuring reliable protection of their rights and financial interests.
I specialise in employment law UK, as well as civil and family law, which allows me to professionally support cases related to Unfair dismissal in the UK, compensation claims, workplace disputes and litigation against employers.
In employment law matters, I assist employees who have faced unfair dismissal or unlawful dismissal, procedural violations, discrimination or financial losses. I understand that losing a job is always stressful and uncertain, so my priority is to protect your rights and achieve a fair outcome with minimal risk to you.
What is Unfair dismissal in the UK?
Question
What is considered unfair dismissal?
Answer
Unfair dismissal in the UK occurs when an employer terminates an employment contract without a valid legal reason or fails to follow the correct statutory procedure.
The law clearly defines when an employer may lawfully dismiss an employee and requires compliance with disciplinary procedures, warnings and the right to appeal.
If the employer cannot justify the reason for dismissal or breaches the procedure, the dismissal may be deemed unlawful dismissal and challenged before an Employment Tribunal.
Lawful reasons for dismissal
Question
When does an employer have the right to dismiss an employee?
Answer
Employment law UK allows dismissal only in specific circumstances, including:
- lack of capability or qualifications for the role;
- misconduct (absence without leave, inappropriate behaviour, fraud);
- redundancy;
- legal inability to continue employment (lack of licence or certification);
- other substantial reasons permitted by law.
Even where a valid reason exists, failure to follow a fair procedure may still result in unfair dismissal.
Automatically unfair dismissal
Question
When is dismissal automatically unfair?
Answer
UK law recognises situations where dismissal is automatically unfair, regardless of length of service. These include dismissal related to:
- pregnancy, maternity or parental leave;
- trade union membership;
- whistleblowing;
- requesting payment of the minimum wage;
- breaches of working time and rest break rights;
- health and safety issues;
- adoption.
In such cases, the employee has the right to submit an unfair dismissal claim.
How to bring an unfair dismissal claim
Question
What are the time limits and procedure?
Answer
An employee has three months from the date of dismissal or rejection of an appeal to submit an unfair dismissal claim to the Employment Tribunal.
The Tribunal may:
- declare the dismissal unfair;
- order the employer to pay compensation;
- in exceptional cases, reinstate the employee.
Compensation for unfair dismissal
Question
What compensation can be awarded?
Answer
Compensation for unfair dismissal may exceed £100,000 and can include:
- a basic award (based on age, length of service and weekly pay);
- compensation for loss of earnings;
- contractual benefits (pension, private medical insurance);
- redundancy payments;
- compensation for future financial losses.
The amount is assessed individually by the Employment Tribunal.
Why is legal advice important?
Answer
Cases involving Unfair dismissal in the UK require in-depth knowledge of employment law UK, case law and strict procedural deadlines. Errors may result in the rejection of an unfair dismissal claim or loss of compensation.
Legal assistance from the “Consultant” service
The Consultant legal marketplace provides:
- advice on unfair dismissal claim matters;
- assessment of case prospects;
- preparation of claims for the Employment Tribunal;
- negotiations with employers;
- legal representation;
- full case management until compensation is obtained.
Unfair dismissal in the UK does not mean the end of your rights. Timely legal support helps protect your interests, secure fair compensation and avoid procedural mistakes.
By contacting Consultant, you receive professional legal assistance, save time and stress, and significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.
