Who can’t claim unfair dismissal?


Who can’t claim unfair dismissal?


The right to bring a claim to an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal isn’t available to:

  • self-employed people;
  • independent contractors;
  • members of the armed forces;
  • employees who have reached a settlement with their employer through Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) or the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) in Northern Ireland;
  • employees who have reached a settlement with their employer through a binding settlement agreement after taking legal advice;
  • employees employed under an illegal contract, (for example, a barman under the age of 18);
  • employees covered by a dismissal procedure agreement that’s been legally exempted from the unfair dismissal rules;
  • employees taking part in unofficial industrial action (unless the dismissal is for an automatically unfair reason);
  • police staff (unless the dismissal relates to health and safety or whistleblowing;
    • those working on a fishing vessel and paid by a share in the profits or gross earnings of the vessel.

Click here for the main unfair dismissal page

Employment Law FAQ’s