There are times when it’s necessary to terminate an employee’s contract and when that happens, you will need to work with your HR adviser and follow your employer’s dismissal process.  

This process should set out the steps that need to be taken to terminate their contract in a fair, legal and reasonable way. 

This guide is designed to help understand the dismissal process. How you respond as a manager could protect your organisation from having an Employment Tribunal (ET) Claim for example for unfair dismissal or discrimination or any other claim for compensation by the affected employee. Your fair and appropriate handling of the situation is also important for the motivation and wellbeing of the rest of your team when a colleague is dismissed.

CIPD member content

This content is only available for CIPD members

More on this topic

Factsheets
Dismissal procedures

Introductory guidance on dismissal in the UK, focusing on unfair dismissal and with advice on following a fair dismissal procedure

Employment law
Dismissal: UK employment law

Explore our collection of resources on dismissal, including dismissal procedures, Q&As on unfair and wrongful dismissal, and relevant case law

For Members
Topics
Dismissal

Discover how you can avoid issues when dismissing people, including termination of contract and unfair dismissal.

Balanced scales
Thought leadership
New statutory code not enough to prevent future P&O Ferries-type sackings

Ben Willmott talks about why UK Government plans for a new code of practice to ensure employers consult with workers when changing employment conditions will fail to stop unfair treatment, as press reports suggest the long-awaited Employment Bill is to be further delayed

Latest guides

Guides
Working with trade unions

Advice on how to work effectively with trade unions

Guides
Fire and rehire: Guide for employers

What this practice is, why you should avoid it, and how to approach it if no other options are available

Guides
Carer-friendly workplaces: Guide for people professionals

Practical guidance to help employers create a carer-friendly workplace

Guides
Planning and managing flexible working

Maximise the benefits of flexible working, incorporating flexibility into people plans, strategy, and EVP

All guides