Just been dismissed? Here is what to do.

The first 24–48 hours after dismissal are critical. Evidence disappears. Deadlines start running. Decisions made now can determine whether your claim succeeds or fails.

Do not sign anything

Your employer may offer you a settlement agreement or ask you to sign a document waiving your rights. Do not sign anything without reading it carefully — or at all until you understand what you are giving up. A properly signed settlement agreement permanently waives your tribunal rights. Take time to understand your position before making any decisions.

Note the date of dismissal immediately

Your time limit starts running from your Effective Date of Termination (EDT) — the date your employment ended. You have 3 months minus one day from that date to contact ACAS. Write it down now. Do not assume you have plenty of time — the deadline is strict and is almost never extended.

Save your evidence before access is cut off

Forward work emails to a personal account immediately. Download or print relevant documents: your contract, payslips, any performance or disciplinary correspondence, the dismissal letter. Once your employer cuts your system access — which can happen within hours — recovering this evidence requires a Subject Access Request, which takes up to 30 days to process.

Check whether you have a claim

Do you have 2 years' service? (For unfair dismissal — not needed for discrimination or whistleblowing.) Was the reason given for your dismissal genuine and fair? Did your employer follow a proper procedure? Use Start My Claim's free eligibility checker to assess your position in minutes.

Contact ACAS to start Early Conciliation

This is mandatory before you can file a tribunal claim. Contact ACAS at acas.org.uk or 0300 123 1100. Starting Early Conciliation pauses the time limit. ACAS will contact your employer to see if a settlement is possible. If not, they issue a certificate that lets you file your ET1. Do this before your deadline — not at the last minute.

Consider the offer — or file your ET1

If ACAS conciliation produces a settlement offer, consider it carefully alongside the likely outcome at tribunal. If no offer is forthcoming, or the offer is inadequate, use your ACAS certificate to file your ET1 claim online at gov.uk. Start My Claim can help you draft the ET1 correctly.

What is the first thing I should do after being dismissed?

The most important first steps are: (1) write down the date of dismissal immediately — your 3-month time limit starts then; (2) save evidence (emails, documents) before your employer cuts your access; and (3) do not sign any settlement agreement until you fully understand what you are agreeing to. Then check whether you have a valid claim and contact ACAS when you are ready.

How long do I have to make a claim after being dismissed?

You must contact ACAS to start Early Conciliation within 3 months minus one day of your Effective Date of Termination. This deadline is very rarely extended. The safest approach is to contact ACAS as soon as possible — do not wait until the last week.

Should I appeal my dismissal before going to tribunal?

Yes — in most cases you should appeal internally first. Failure to appeal can reduce your award by up to 25% under the ACAS Code of Practice. However, submitting an appeal does not pause your 3-month tribunal time limit — so you must also contact ACAS within the deadline regardless of whether an internal appeal is ongoing.

My employer offered me a settlement — should I take it?

It depends on the amount and the strength of your claim. A settlement offers certainty — there is no risk of losing, and you get paid without a hearing. But settling too early often means accepting less than you would receive at tribunal. You should understand your likely tribunal award (Basic + Compensatory Award) before evaluating any offer. Start My Claim can help you calculate this.

Can I be dismissed with no notice?

Your employer can only dismiss you without notice if your conduct was so serious it amounted to gross misconduct — giving them the right to summarily dismiss. Even then, they should follow a fair procedure first. If you were dismissed without notice and without a fair process for alleged gross misconduct, you may have claims for both unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal (wrongful dismissal is the failure to give contractual or statutory notice).

What if I cannot afford a solicitor?

You do not need a solicitor. Around 59% of employment tribunal claimants represent themselves, and tribunal filing is free. AI tools like Start My Claim can guide you through every step — ET1, evidence bundle, witness statement, and hearing preparation — at a fraction of the cost of a solicitor.

What to do after unfair dismissal — first steps

The immediate actions to take after being unfairly dismissed in the UK — from saving evidence to contacting ACAS.

Just been dismissed? Here is what to do.

Last updated: April 2026 · Employment Rights Act 2025 included

3 months minus one day from your dismissal

This is the deadline to contact ACAS. It starts running from the day you were dismissed — not when you decide to act. Employment tribunals almost never grant extensions. Do not wait.

Your 6 immediate steps

Your basic rights — at a glance

You are entitled to written reasons for your dismissal if you have 2+ years' service. Your employer must provide them within 14 days of request.

You are entitled to at least 1 week's notice per year of service (up to 12 weeks) if you have 1 month+ service, unless dismissed for gross misconduct.

You must be paid for any unused statutory holiday (5.6 weeks per year) that has accrued but not been taken.

Your employer must pay you any salary, commission, or bonuses due up to the date of dismissal on or before your normal payday.

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Frequently asked questions

Unfair dismissal explained

What unfair dismissal is, the five fair reasons, and how tribunals assess cases.

Employment tribunal time limits

The 3-month deadline explained — and what happens if you miss it.

ACAS Early Conciliation guide

What ACAS Early Conciliation is and why it is the mandatory first step.

How to make a tribunal claim

A full step-by-step guide to making an employment tribunal claim.

Settlement agreements — what to do

Whether to accept a settlement offer and what your rights are before signing.

Unfair dismissal compensation

How Basic and Compensatory Awards are calculated — and how much you might receive.