Unfair Dismissal Claims in Manchester

At Slater Heelis, our employment law solicitors in Manchester help employees across the city and Greater Manchester work out whether their dismissal was unlawful and what steps to take next. From your first conversation with us, we’ll explain your rights in plain language, outline the options available, and handle everything from early negotiations through to full representation at an Employment Tribunal if needed.

Get started with your claim today by calling 0330 111 3131 or contacting us via our online enquiry form.

What is unfair dismissal?

Unfair dismissal occurs when your employer terminates your employment without a valid reason or without following the correct legal procedure. UK employment law sets out strict rules on what counts as a fair dismissal, and employers are required to act reasonably throughout the process.

Some of the most common examples of unfair dismissal include:

• Being dismissed without a genuine reason, such as capability, conduct, redundancy, or legal restriction on your employment
• Being dismissed without your employer following their own disciplinary or capability process
• Being dismissed for asserting your statutory rights – for example, requesting maternity or paternity leave, holiday pay, or flexible working
• Being dismissed for whistleblowing or raising legitimate concerns about workplace safety or wrongdoing

Our solicitors can examine the details of your case, gather evidence, and help you decide whether you have a strong claim to pursue.

When can I make an unfair dismissal claim in Manchester?

You can usually bring an unfair dismissal claim if you’ve worked for your employer continuously for at least two years. There are, however, important exceptions. If you were dismissed for reasons connected to discrimination, pregnancy, whistleblowing, or trade union activity, you can bring a claim regardless of how long you were employed.

You must start the process within three months, less one day of your dismissal date. Before claiming the Employment Tribunal, you’ll need to contact ACAS to begin Early Conciliation. This allows both sides to try to resolve the issue without formal proceedings, saving time and stress. Our solicitors will guide you through every stage of the process, from the initial ACAS submission to preparing your case for tribunal if necessary. It’s important to act quickly so deadlines don’t pass and evidence remains fresh.

How can our employment solicitors help with unfair dismissal claims in Manchester?

At Slater Heelis, we’ve built our reputation over more than 250 years of continuous service to clients in Manchester and Greater Manchester, and we are listed in The Times Best Law Firms for 2026. As part of the Lawfront Group, our employment team is recognised in respected legal directories such as The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for its depth of expertise.

Our solicitors manage every stage of the unfair dismissal process. We will:

• Assess your circumstances in detail and confirm whether you have a viable claim
• Collect evidence, including emails, contracts, meeting notes, and witness statements
• Represent you during ACAS Early Conciliation and any negotiations with your employer
• Calculate the compensation you may be entitled to, including loss of income and benefits
• Prepare your case and represent you at the Employment Tribunal if needed

Communication is central to how we work. We take the time to explain what’s happening, provide updates at every stage, and make sure you always know where your case stands. Our focus is on protecting your interests and helping you reach an outcome that supports your financial and professional future.