Dismissal Checklist for Employees
Step-by-step checklist if you've been dismissed. Know what to do, what to check, and what your options are.
Last updated: 30 January 2025
Being dismissed is stressful. This checklist helps you know exactly what to do and what to check.
Immediate Steps
At the Dismissal Meeting
- Stay calm - don't say anything you'll regret
- Ask for the decision in writing
- Clarify the effective date of termination
- Ask about notice period arrangements
- Confirm your right to appeal
- Don't sign anything immediately
- Ask for time to consider
Leaving the Building
- Collect personal belongings (if allowed)
- Return company property (or note what you have)
- Get details of how to collect remaining items
- Note any witnesses to important events
- Keep copies of any documents you have
Within 24-48 Hours
Documentation
- Write down everything that happened (while fresh)
- Note dates, times, who said what
- List anyone who witnessed events
- Gather any evidence you have at home
- Request copies of documents from employer
Review What You Have
- Check your contract of employment
- Review company handbook/policies
- Look at your disciplinary/dismissal procedure
- Check notice period entitlement
- Review any written warnings on file
Within First Week
Financial Matters
- Calculate expected final pay
- Note any holiday pay owed
- Check when final pay will arrive
- Register for Universal Credit if needed
- Review your budget
Appeal Decision
- Note appeal deadline (usually 5-10 days)
- Decide whether to appeal
- Draft appeal letter if proceeding
- Submit appeal within deadline
- Keep copy of appeal letter
Seek Advice
- Contact ACAS (free advice)
- Consider trade union (if member)
- Consider legal advice if strong case
- Speak to Citizens Advice if needed
Appeal Checklist
Before Appeal
- Identify your grounds for appeal
- Gather supporting evidence
- Prepare your case
- Choose your companion
- Brief them on the case
At Appeal Meeting
- Present your case clearly
- Address each ground systematically
- Provide evidence for your arguments
- Stay professional
- Take notes
After Appeal
- Get outcome in writing
- Note any time limits mentioned
- Keep all documents
- Consider next steps if unsuccessful
Legal Time Limits
Critical Dates
| Action | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Internal appeal | Usually 5-10 days (check policy) |
| ACAS early conciliation | Within 3 months less 1 day |
| Tribunal claim | After ACAS, additional time given |
Calculating Tribunal Deadline
- Note effective date of termination (EDT)
- Calculate 3 months less 1 day from EDT
- This is deadline for ACAS contact
- Don't wait for appeal outcome
Protecting Your Position
- Contact ACAS before deadline
- Get early conciliation certificate
- File tribunal claim if appropriate
- Keep evidence of all submissions
Assessing Your Case
Questions to Consider
| Question | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Do I have 2 years' service? | Unfair dismissal claim |
| Was the reason discriminatory? | Discrimination claim (no service needed) |
| Was I a whistleblower? | Automatic unfair (no service needed) |
| Was I pregnant/on leave? | Automatic unfair (no service needed) |
| Did employer follow procedure? | Affects fairness |
| Was sanction proportionate? | Affects fairness |
Strengths and Weaknesses
Consider:
- How strong is employer's reason?
- Was process followed?
- Do I have evidence?
- Are there witnesses?
- What are my losses?
- What do I want to achieve?
Documents Checklist
Essential Documents
- Dismissal letter
- Contract of employment
- Disciplinary policy
- Investigation report (request if not provided)
- Hearing notes
- Appeal correspondence
- Any written warnings
- Relevant emails
Additional Evidence
- Your contemporaneous notes
- Witness statements
- Medical evidence (if relevant)
- Performance reviews
- Previous appraisals
- Any character references
Financial Checklist
What You Should Receive
- Salary up to termination date
- Notice pay (unless gross misconduct)
- Accrued holiday pay
- Expenses owed
- Commission earned
- Bonus (check contract terms)
- Redundancy pay (if applicable)
Check Your Final Pay
- Compare to expected amount
- Query any deductions
- Ensure holiday pay correct
- Request P45
- Keep final payslip
Moving Forward
Job Search
- Update CV
- Prepare explanation for interviews
- Request agreed reference (if possible)
- Use professional contacts
- Consider recruitment agencies
References
- Check what reference employer will give
- Negotiate agreed reference if possible
- Identify alternative referees
- Consider settlement agreement with reference
Wellbeing
- Seek support from friends/family
- Consider counselling if struggling
- Maintain routine
- Look after physical health
- Don't isolate yourself
When to Seek Legal Help
Consider a Lawyer If
- You have a strong case
- Significant compensation potential
- Discrimination involved
- Complex legal issues
- Employer has legal representation
- High-value claim
Finding a Lawyer
- Check if you have legal expenses insurance
- Ask about 'no win, no fee' arrangements
- Get initial free consultation
- Check lawyer's employment law experience
- Understand costs upfront
Key Contacts
Useful Resources
| Organisation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ACAS | Free advice, early conciliation |
| Citizens Advice | General guidance |
| Employment tribunal | Filing claims |
| Trade union | Member support |
| Legal Aid | If eligible |
Related answers
Appeal Against Dismissal
How to appeal a dismissal decision. Understand your rights, the appeal process, and what outcomes are possible.
Unfair Dismissal UK: What Employers Need to Know
Unfair dismissal claims can cost employers tens of thousands. Learn the 5 fair reasons for dismissal, how to follow a fair procedure, and avoid tribunal claims.
Employment Tribunal Claims: Employer's Guide
What to do when an employee makes a tribunal claim. Understand the process, time limits, costs, and how to defend claims or settle through ACAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do first when dismissed?
- Stay calm, ask for the decision in writing, note the effective date, and don't sign anything immediately. You have the right to appeal, so use that time to consider your options and seek advice.
- How long do I have to make a tribunal claim?
- 3 months less 1 day from your effective date of termination. You must start ACAS early conciliation within this time. Don't wait for your appeal - contact ACAS early to protect your position.
- What evidence should I gather after dismissal?
- Collect all correspondence (dismissal letter, investigation documents, hearing notes), your contract and handbook, emails about the situation, notes you've made, and details of any witnesses who support your case.