LRD guides and handbook December 2023

Unfair dismissal law – An LRD guide for union reps

Chapter 1

The right to written reasons for dismissal

[page 17]

Under section 92, ERA 96, employees with at least two years’ service (one year in Northern Ireland) can request a written statement of reasons for dismissal, which must be provided within 14 days of the request. If the request is refused, the employee can complain to an employment tribunal.

An employee who is dismissed while pregnant or on maternity or adoption leave must be given a written statement without having to request it and no minimum length of service is needed.