What to do if…
you are fired without warning and told to leave immediately

What to do now

1. Ask the person dismissing you to confirm in writing:

   • that your employment has ended
   • the reason given for the dismissal
   • your effective termination date
   • whether gross misconduct is alleged
   • whether you will receive notice, payment in lieu of notice or neither
   • when your final pay, accrued holiday pay and P45 will be provided

2. Take copies of any documents you are given. Say that you need time to read them before signing, particularly if they refer to resignation, admissions, confidentiality or settlement terms.

3. Return company property as instructed and ask for a written receipt. Arrange a safe way to collect personal belongings if you cannot take them immediately.

4. Once you are away from the workplace, write a factual note of what happened. Record the date, time, location, who attended, the words used, the reason given and any documents you received.

5. Keep lawful personal copies of records you already hold, such as your contract, written employment particulars, payslips, dismissal correspondence, disciplinary letters and relevant workplace policies. Do not retain confidential business information or try to regain access to blocked systems.

6. Check your contract and dismissal documents for your notice period, payment in lieu of notice, disciplinary procedure and appeal process. Employees are generally entitled to contractual or statutory minimum notice, whichever is longer, unless dismissal without notice is justified, such as for gross misconduct.

7. Send a brief written request for any missing information. Ask how to appeal, where to send the appeal and whether there is an internal deadline.

8. Check external deadlines promptly. In England, Scotland and Wales, contact Acas; most employment tribunal claims must usually be started within three months minus one day, and raising an internal appeal does not change that limit. In Northern Ireland, contact the Labour Relations Agency because the tribunal system and time-limit rules differ.

9. Check your final payslip for wages already earned, any applicable notice pay and payment for accrued statutory holiday not taken. Query missing payments or unexplained deductions in writing.

10. If the sudden loss of income threatens essentials such as food, housing or energy, check benefits and emergency financial support now rather than waiting for a pay dispute to be resolved.