UK Employment Law: Dismissal, Redundancy & Rights | CompactLaw
UK employment law governs the relationship between employers and employees across every workplace in Britain. Whether you are an employee who has been dismissed, made redundant, or treated unfairly, or an employer trying to manage staff lawfully, understanding your rights and obligations is essential.
This guide covers all the major areas of UK employment law, written in plain English and updated to reflect the latest legislation — including the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Unfair and Wrongful Dismissal
If you have been dismissed, the first question is whether the dismissal was fair. Employees who have worked for two years or more have the right not to be unfairly dismissed. Claims are heard by an Employment Tribunal, which can award compensation, including a basic award and a compensatory award. Wrongful dismissal is a separate, contract-based claim — often more suitable for higher earners or those dismissed without proper notice.
Redundancy
Redundancy is a specific legal process. Employers must follow correct selection procedures, consult with affected employees, and pay at least the statutory minimum redundancy payment. Failing to do so can lead to claims for unfair dismissal or a redundancy payment at Tribunal.
Discrimination
The Equality Act 2010 protects employees from discrimination on the basis of nine protected characteristics, including age, sex, race, disability, and religion. Discrimination claims can be brought regardless of length of service, and compensation is uncapped.
Maternity, Paternity and Family Rights
Employees have a range of statutory rights around pregnancy and family leave, including statutory maternity pay, shared parental leave, and the right to return to the same or equivalent role after leave.
Use the links below to explore each area in detail. For employers who need ready-to-use employment contracts, policies and procedures, see our Employers Pack Staff Handbook.
Unfair Dismissal
Unfair Dismissal - Making a claim
Qualifying for Unfair Dismissal Protection
Length of Service to bring an unfair dismissal claim
Exceptions for Unfair Dismissal - Length of service not required
End of Employment - Effective Date of Termination for Unfair Dismissal
Time Limit for Unfair Dismissal claim
Retirement & Unfair Dismissal - How they relate to each other
Excluded Groups - excluded from unfair dismissal protection
Constructive Dismissal - How to claim
Unfair Dismissal Compensation
Compensation for Unfair Dismissal - Introduction
Basic Award - Unfair Dismissal
Compensatory Award - Unfair Dismissal
Additional Award - Unfair Dismissal
Wrongful Dismissal
Wrongful Dismissal - Introduction
Minimum Notice Periods for Wrongful Dismissal
Employer's Breach under Wrongful Dismissal
Resignation & Wrongful Dismissal
Unfair & Wrongful Dismissal Claims - claim for both?
Damages for Wrongful Dismissal
Deductions from a Wrongful Dismissal Claim
Grievance & Disciplinary
Grievance & Disciplinary Procedures to be followed by employers
Redundancy
Redundancy - What is redundancy?
Employer's Responsibility in Redundancy
Redundancy Pay - How to calculate
Appeals Against Redundancy by Employees
Redundancy Remedies - what to claim if redundancy incorrect
Discrimination
Discrimination Law - Introduction to discrimination laws
Direct Discrimination - what is direct discrimination?
Indirect Discrimination - what is indirect discrimination?
Victimisation of employees - discrimination
Age Discrimination - introduction to age discrimination
Employer & Employee Liability for Discrimination
Remedies & Compensation for Discrimination
Maternity Rights
Maternity Rights - introduction to maternity rights
Time off for Dependants during maternity
Statutory Maternity Leave & Pay
Right to Return to Work after Maternity Leave
Compulsory Maternity Leave for employees
Suspension from Work for maternity related reason
Other Work Rights
Statutory Paternity Leave & Pay
Statutory Adoption Leave & Pay
Statutory Sick Pay
Statutory Sick Pay Entitlement
Statutory Sick Pay Current Rate & Calculation
Sources of Help, Advice & Funding for Employment cases
Human Rights Act 1998 - in employment cases
Fees