UNFAIR DISMISSAL ADVICE SOLICITORS

If you believe you have been dismissed unfairly, getting the right legal advice quickly can make all the difference. At HM3 Legal, our employment solicitors provide clear, practical unfair dismissal advice to help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your claim and take the most appropriate next steps (based on recommended options). Whether you have been dismissed without a fair reason or your employer failed to follow the correct procedure, we are here to support you from start to finish during what can be an emotional time.

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We are unfair dismissal advice specialists

Losing your job unexpectedly can be stressful, especially if you believe your employer has acted unfairly or unreasonably. Understanding your legal position is often the first step toward protecting your rights and setting out a plan to remedy the situation.

At HM3 Legal, our employment solicitors have experience of managing complex unfair dismissal situations. We provide straightforward unfair dismissal advice tailored to your individual circumstances. We take the time to understand what happened, and explain your legal options in plain English for you to consider. This will help you understand the legal position and decide how to move forward.

Our unfair dismissal advice can help with:

  • Assessing whether you have an unfair dismissal claim.
  • Reviewing dismissal procedures followed by your employer.
  • Advice on disciplinary and grievance processes.
  • Settlement agreement negotiations.
  • Constructive dismissal claims.
  • Redundancy related dismissals.
  • Employment Tribunal representation.
  • Calculating potential compensation.
  • ACAS Early Conciliation guidance.
  • Wrongful dismissal claims.
  • Appeals against dismissal decisions.
  • Advice on discrimination (including situations connected to protected characteristics) linked to dismissal.

Our unfair dismissal solicitors

Our unfair dismissal legal services

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Unfair dismissal claim assessments

Before making a claim, it is important to understand whether your dismissal is likely to be considered unfair under employment law. Our solicitors carefully review the circumstances surrounding your dismissal, including your length of service, your employer’s reasons for dismissal, reasonableness and whether a fair procedure was followed. We provide honest, practical advice on the strength of your case, the evidence available and your legal options. If we believe you have a strong claim, we will guide you through every stage of the process while helping you understand potential timescales, likely outcomes and the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.

Constructive dismissal advice

Sometimes employees feel they have no choice but to resign because of the actions of their employer. Constructive dismissal cases can be complex, making early legal advice essential as guidance can help with any future claim. We assess whether your employer has fundamentally breached your employment contract through issues such as bullying, discrimination, harassment, non payment of wages or significant changes to your role. Our employment solicitors explain whether a constructive dismissal claim may be appropriate, help you gather supporting evidence and advise you on the best course of action before taking any formal steps.

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Employment Tribunal representation

If your unfair dismissal dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation or ACAS Early Conciliation, bringing a claim before an Employment Tribunal may be necessary. HM3 Legal provides professional representation throughout the tribunal process, from preparing your claim and gathering evidence to drafting witness statements and representing you at hearings. Not only do we work to present your case clearly and effectively, we support you and keep you informed at every stage. Our aim is to achieve the strongest possible outcome while reducing the stress often associated with tribunal proceedings.

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Exchange Station
Tithebarn Street
Liverpool
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Woodlands Road
Altrincham
WA14 1HF

Wirral

6 Abbots Quay
Monks Ferry
Birkenhead
CH41 5LH
(By prior appointment only)

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Unfair dismissal key contact: Justine Watkinson

Justine Watkinson HM3 Legal recommended employment lawyer in Chester, Liverpool and Manchester
Partner and Engagement Director

Justine Watkinson is a Partner and Head of Employment Law at HM3 Legal, bringing decades of legal and commercial experience to employment law and HR matters. Supporting HR teams, providing tailored training covering employment law and culture, and transforming workplaces are her areas of expertise. Known for practical, people-focused advice, she helps businesses understand their culture, manage change and plan for expansion. A trusted legal adviser and positive change-manager, Justine combines commercial insight with genuine commitment to client care, colleague engagement and business impact.

Looking for expert unfair dismissal advice?

Being dismissed from your job can have a significant impact on your finances, confidence and future career. Receiving specialist legal advice early can help you understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances of reaching a positive outcome.

At HM3 Legal, our experienced employment solicitors support individuals across a wide range of unfair dismissal cases. Whether you are considering making a claim, negotiating a settlement agreement or preparing for an Employment Tribunal, we are here to listen and provide clear advice and practical legal support tailored to your circumstances. Contact our team today to discuss your situation and how to move forward.

Unfair dismissal FAQs

What is unfair dismissal?

Unfair dismissal is when an employer dismisses an employee without a fair reason, within the range of unreasonable responses, or fails to follow a fair and lawful dismissal process. In many cases, employees must have at least two years of continuous service to bring an unfair dismissal claim, although there are exceptions. HM3 Legal can review your circumstances, explain your rights and advise whether your dismissal may be legally challenged.

Whether you have a valid claim depends on several factors. This includes the reason for your dismissal, your length of service and whether your employer followed a fair disciplinary or dismissal procedure. Every situation is different, so obtaining legal advice is really important. HM3 Legal can assess your case, explain the strength of your potential claim and recommend the most appropriate next steps available to you.

In most cases, you must begin the ACAS Early Conciliation process within three months (less one day) from the date your employment ended. Missing this deadline can prevent you from making a claim. Because strict time limits apply, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible after your dismissal to protect your legal position and understand your available options.

Although most unfair dismissal claims require two years of continuous service (6 months from January 1st 2027), there are important exceptions. If you were dismissed because of discrimination, whistleblowing, pregnancy, trade union activities or another legally unfair reason, you may still have a claim regardless of your length of service. HM3 Legal can assess whether your circumstances fall within one of these legal exceptions.

Compensation varies depending on the facts of each case. It may include a basic award and a compensatory award based on financial losses such as lost earnings and benefits. The amount awarded depends on various factors, including your salary, how long you remain unemployed and whether you have taken reasonable steps to find new work. Specialist legal advice from an employment law solicitor with the right experience can help you understand what you may be entitled to claim.

If you have been dismissed, keep copies of your dismissal letter, employment contract, disciplinary documents and any relevant emails or messages (which may be using multiple communication methods). Make notes of conversations while they are still fresh in your mind and avoid signing settlement agreements without independent legal advice. There is no cost to contact HM3 Legal promptly to talk through your situation. This allows us to review your case before important deadlines expire, and advise you on your rights.

If your dispute cannot be resolved through ACAS Early Conciliation, you may be able to bring a claim before an Employment Tribunal. The tribunal will consider the evidence from both parties before deciding whether your dismissal was fair. Preparation is essential, and having experienced employment solicitors on your side can help ensure your case is presented clearly and effectively. This gives you the best possible chance at a resolution.

While you are not legally required to instruct a solicitor, obtaining specialist legal advice can significantly improve your understanding of the process and your chances of achieving a positive outcome. An employment solicitor can assess your claim, negotiate with your employer, represent you during ACAS Early Conciliation and prepare your Employment Tribunal case if needed. HM3 Legal provides step-by-step practical support throughout every stage of the process.

Photos by Ami Hirschi, Vitali Gariev and Ben White from Unsplash.

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At HM3 Legal, we believe in clarity, not complexity. Whether you are seeking legal guidance for your business or navigating a personal matter, our team is here to provide straightforward, expert advice.

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