Does an employer have to give a written statement of reasons for dismissal?
An employer must give a written statement of reasons for dismissal to an employee who requests one, if they have the required service.
The required service is two years where the effective date of termination is before 1 January 2027, or six months on or after that date (in line with the qualifying period for unfair dismissal).
Where dismissal is with notice, the employee can request the statement before the contract comes to an end. Otherwise, the request should be made within the time limit for bringing a claim for unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal. This is six months where the effective date of termination is on or after 1 October 2026, or three months before that date.
The employer must provide the statement within 14 days of the request.
If an employee is dismissed at any time while they are pregnant or if their maternity leave or adoption leave is brought to an end by the dismissal, they are entitled to a written statement of reasons for the dismissal irrespective of length of service and without having to make a request.
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