Guide to dealing with losing your job

The prospect of losing your job is difficult to plan for at the best of times, but you have rights that are protected by law. Making sense of redundancy or dismissal will help you to manage your finances and reconsider your future options.

Changes to age discrimination for over-50s

New regulations came into force on 1 October 2006 making it unlawful for employers to discriminate against workers on the grounds of age.

Changes to age discrimination for over-50s

Redundancy

If you think you're going to be made redundant, you need to be clear on what the law says. Your employer has responsibilities too. Find out what they are and what your rights are if you're made redundant.

Redundancy (employment section)

Reasons why you can be dismissed

There are various reasons why your employer might dismiss you. There are fair and unfair reasons for dismissal and you have a right to have a written statement explaining why you have been dismissed. Regardless of the reason, your employer must also act fairly in the procedure. If they don't, the dismissal may be unfair.

Fair reasons for dismissal (employment section)

Constructive dismissal

Constructive dismissal happens when an employee is forced to quit their job against their will because of their employer's conduct. For information on what you can do if you feel that you have to leave your job:

Constructive dismissal (employment section)

Unfair dismissal

Unfair dismissal is where you've been dismissed from your job and your employer doesn't have a valid reason for dismissing you and/or has acted unreasonably. Find out about your rights and how you can try to sort out the problem:

Unfair dismissal (employment section)

Notice and notice pay

When you finish a job you should normally give or be given notice. There are rules about how much notice you or your employer must give, and rules on what payment you should receive, your other rights and responsibilities.

Notice and notice pay (employment section)

Your rights if your employer is insolvent

If your employer becomes insolvent, a number of options are open to you. Find out about the details of what to do if you're owed money by an insolvent employer and how insolvency affects your employment status.