To be a 'fair' dismissal, a UK employer must show that it was due to one of five specific reasons. The employer must also have acted fairly and reasonably in carrying out the dismissal. The Employment Rights Bill, introduced in October 2024, makes significant changes to UK employment law including dismissal.

This factsheet explains the difference between wrongful, unfair and constructive dismissal and looks at future developments. 

Please note 

Under the Employment Rights Bill, the two-year unfair dismissal qualifying period will be replaced with new statutory probationary period arrangements. Keep up to date with the latest on these changes with our Tracker of potential law changes.

This page outlines the current legislation for dismissal that should still be followed until any changes come into force. We will update this page once any changes are enforced.

Member tool: CIPD Buddy AI
Use AI to find trusted answers on our Knowledge hub. Start using CIPD Buddy

On this page

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
Instant access Explore membership
  • Employment law

    Dismissal: UK employment law

    Explore our collection of resources on fair and unfair dismissal, including the branches of unfair dismissal such as constructive dismissal, and laws around wrongful dismissal. This resource includes common questions and answers plus relevant case law

    For Members
  • Data

    Data hub

    Explore the evidence behind workforce trends

  • Guide

    People manager guide: Dismissal

    Information for managers on what happens when the decision is made to dismiss a member of their team and how to avoid mistakes

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Pay fairness and pay reporting

    Find out what's meant by fair pay, what pay information UK employers must disclose by law and the opportunities pay narratives bring.

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Redundancy: An introduction

    This factsheet outlines the main stages of a redundancy process and outlines how and why to use redundancy as a last resort when all alternative approaches have been considered

    For Members
    • Factsheets