Compensation
Unfair-dismissal compensation
Understand the basic and compensatory awards, the evidence needed to prove loss and the factors that can increase or reduce unfair-dismissal compensation.
What you need to know
Unfair-dismissal compensation is not a fixed payment for losing a job. A potential award commonly combines a basic award with compensation for proven financial loss, subject to the rules and limits applying to the claim.
The Tribunal can also consider mitigation, contributory conduct, whether dismissal would have happened after a fair process and any applicable ACAS adjustment.
What to do
Step 1
Check eligibility and liability
Confirm qualifying service, the reason for dismissal and whether the employer followed a fair investigation, hearing and appeal process.
Step 2
Separate each head of loss
Set out the basic award, past and future earnings, benefits, pension loss and any other legally available compensation separately.
Step 3
Keep mitigation evidence
Retain job applications, interviews, earnings and benefits records showing reasonable efforts to reduce financial loss.
Step 4
Apply possible adjustments
Consider statutory caps, contributory conduct, a possible Polkey reduction and any ACAS uplift or reduction before relying on an estimate.
Check the details
Unfair dismissal
Understand how an unfair dismissal claim is assessed in the UK, including fair reasons, process, and remedies.
Qualifying Service
The 2-year service rule for standard unfair dismissal claims.
Fair Reason for Dismissal
Your employer needs a legally valid reason to end your contract.
Investigation Before Dismissal
Why your employer must establish the facts before taking disciplinary action.
Evidence Supporting Dismissal
Ensuring your employer has sufficient evidence for the stated reason.
Right of Appeal
Why employers must offer an appeal against a dismissal decision.
Schedule of Loss
Understand when you need a Schedule of Loss in the Employment Tribunal and how to set out compensation clearly.
Claiming an ACAS Uplift
When you can ask the employment tribunal to increase your compensation by up to 25%.
Wrongful Dismissal: Notice Pay and Contract Breach
Understand wrongful dismissal as a contractual claim, including notice pay, gross misconduct, compensation and available routes.