Unfair / Wrongful Dismissal Estimator
Estimate your potential Employment Tribunal compensation — 2026 award limits
Dismissal FAQs
What is the difference between wrongful and unfair dismissal?
Wrongful dismissal is a breach of your employment contract — typically because your employer didn't give you the correct notice period or notice pay. It is a contract claim and can be brought regardless of your length of service.
Unfair dismissal is when your employer dismisses you without a fair reason or without following a fair procedure. You generally need 2 years of service to claim unfair dismissal (with exceptions for automatically unfair reasons such as whistleblowing or pregnancy).
How long do I have to make a claim?
You must notify ACAS and begin early conciliation within 3 months less one day of your dismissal date. Missing this deadline will almost certainly prevent you from bringing a claim. You should contact ACAS immediately if you think you have been unfairly dismissed.
What are the current Employment Tribunal compensation limits?
For 2026: the basic award is capped at £22,530 (same formula as redundancy pay). The compensatory award is capped at the lower of £123,543 or 52 weeks' gross pay. There is no cap for automatically unfair dismissal claims (e.g. whistleblowing, pregnancy).
Enter your details to estimate your potential compensation.
2026 Official Tribunal Limits
- Basic award cap: £22,530
- Compensatory cap: £123,543
- Or 52 weeks' gross pay: (whichever lower)
- Claim deadline: 3 months less 1 day
- ACAS early conciliation: Required first
⚠️ Get Proper Advice
- ACAS: 0300 123 1100
- Citizens Advice: Free legal help
- Employment lawyers often offer free initial consultations
UK Unfair Dismissal Law & Compensation in 2026
If you have been unfairly dismissed in the UK, you may be entitled to two types of compensation: a basic award and a compensatory award. The basic award is calculated using the same formula as statutory redundancy pay, based on your age and years of service. For 2026, the maximum basic award is £22,530.
The Compensatory Award Cap
The compensatory award is intended to cover your actual financial loss, such as lost wages and benefits. In 2026, this is capped at the lower of £123,543 or one year's gross pay. It is important to note that there is no cap on compensation for certain types of automatically unfair dismissal, such as those related to whistleblowing or health and safety activities.
Qualifying Period
To bring a standard claim for unfair dismissal, you must usually have been employed for at least two years. However, under the 2026 employment law updates, many rights now apply from day one. Check with ACAS to see if your specific situation qualifies for day-one protection against unfair treatment.