FAQs

Normally, an employee who is dismissed has the right to raise an internal appeal. A more senior manager will usually review the decision and decide whether it should be upheld. If the appeal is successful, the employee may be reinstated and paid any lost wages between dismissal and reinstatement.

In an unfair dismissal claim, an Employment Tribunal can order reinstatement or re-engagement, although this is rare in practice. Our employment tribunal solicitors can advise on your options.

Unfair dismissal can occur where an employee is dismissed and the employer either has no fair reason, follows an unfair procedure, or the decision is overly harsh and not a reasonable response.

In most cases, an employee currently needs two years’ service (which will reduce to six months’ service from January 2027) to bring an unfair dismissal claim, although some exceptions apply (for example where dismissal relates to whistleblowing, pregnancy, or asserting statutory rights). Our employment law solicitors in Stoke-on-Trent can advise on whether an unfair dismissal claim may apply.

A disciplinary procedure is usually a written policy setting out how an employer will deal with employee misconduct or poor performance. Employers should set out their procedures in writing, including the types of behaviour that could result in disciplinary action.

Business debt recovery covers unpaid sums owed to a business by a business or individual, from one-off invoices to larger volumes of debts. The approach can be tailored depending on the value of the debt, the debtor’s behaviour and whether there are complications such as disputes.

If the debtor disputes the debt (for example, challenging the contract, the work, or the amount owed), it may need a dispute resolution approach alongside recovery action. Our experienced team can help assess the position and advise on the most effective next step.

The earlier you act, the more likely you are to achieve payment. If payment terms have passed and chasing isn’t working, it’s usually sensible to get advice on the best next step before the debt becomes harder to recover.