Unfair Dismissal Claims in Chester

We regularly advise on situations ranging from early concerns about a potential dismissal through to full tribunal claims. Our role is to give you a clear view of your options, explain what’s likely to happen and support you in taking a measured, well informed approach at every stage.

If you’d prefer to speak to someone directly, you can give us a call on 0330 111 3131 or use our online contact form to get started.

What is unfair dismissal?

Unfair dismissal is usually about whether a decision to end someone’s employment was justified and handled properly. In some cases, the issue is the reason itself, and in others, it’s the way the situation was dealt with.

It’s about determining the process was reasonable and fair, and whether your employer’s steps were appropriate. Looking at both the reason and the process together helps build a clearer picture of whether a dismissal may be open to challenge.

Some of the most common examples of unfair dismissal include:

• Being dismissed without a valid reason, such as capability, conduct, redundancy, or a legal restriction affecting your role
• Being dismissed without your employer following their own disciplinary or capability procedures
• Being dismissed for exercising your statutory rights, such as requesting maternity or paternity leave, holiday pay, or flexible working
• Being dismissed for whistleblowing or raising genuine concerns about workplace safety or misconduct

Who we work with in Chester

Our work around unfair dismissal claims in Chester covers a wide mix of clients. We support individuals at all stages of their careers, from junior roles through to senior executives, each with different concerns and priorities.

We also work with professionals across sectors such as retail, education, manufacturing, property and professional services. This range of experience gives us a broader view of how workplace issues tend to develop in different environments, and how approaches may need to vary depending on the context.

Advice for employees dealing with unfair dismissal claims in Chester

If you’ve lost your job and something doesn’t feel right about the process, it’s worth getting a second opinion from an employment law solicitor. Many people aren’t sure whether their dismissal qualifies as unfair, what their options are, or how to approach things from here, especially where the reasons given by the employer don’t fully reflect what happened in practice.

We support individuals across Chester with unfair dismissal claims, offering clear, straightforward guidance that helps you understand where you stand and what steps are available.

We can help with:

• Understanding whether your dismissal may be legally unfair
• Reviewing the process your employer followed
• Exploring options before taking formal action
• Bringing an unfair dismissal claim where appropriate
• Advising on constructive dismissal situations
• Identifying related claims, including discrimination
• Negotiating settlements to resolve matters sooner
• Representing you at tribunal if needed

You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch. We’ll help you make sense of your situation, talk through your options, and decide what feels right for you.

The time limits surrounding unfair dismissal claims and tribunal process

If you’re planning to bring an unfair dismissal claim in Chester, it’s important to be aware of the strict time limits involved. In most cases, a claim must be submitted within three months of your employment ending.

Before you can make a claim to the Employment Tribunal, you’ll need to notify ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) and complete Early Conciliation. This is a free and mandatory process designed to help resolve disputes without the need for formal proceedings. Although Early Conciliation can slightly extend the deadline, it’s still best to act promptly.

Once the process has finished, ACAS will issue a certificate confirming that Early Conciliation has been completed. You’ll need this certificate to proceed with your claim if the issue was not resolved. If your case involves more than one employer, a separate certificate is required for each.

Why choose Slater Heelis for unfair dismissal claims in Chester

At Slater Heelis, our employment law team is recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, reflecting both our technical expertise and the way we support our clients. We focus on giving straightforward advice without unnecessary complexity, alongside responsive support when timing matters. Above all, we take the time to understand your situation properly so the guidance you receive is tailored to your circumstances.