Q&A: Providing a written statement of reasons for dismissal

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Some employees have an automatic right to a written statement of reasons for dismissal, others are entitled only if they put in a request and some have no right at all. We look at when employers need to provide a departing employee with a written statement of reasons for the dismissal.

Q: Which employees are automatically entitled to a written statement of reasons for dismissal?

If an employer dismisses an employee who is pregnant, on maternity leave or on adoption leave, the employer must provide him or her with a written statement of reasons for dismissal. The employee is not required to put in a request for the written reasons. For example, if an employee is made redundant while on maternity leave, she is automatically entitled to a written statement of the reasons for her dismissal. Task: Provide a written statement of reasons for dismissal for an employee dismissed while pregnant or on maternity leave

Q: Is there a set format for a written statement of reasons for dismissal?

No, there is no set format. The relevant legislation says only that employees have a right to a written statement giving particulars of the reasons for the employee's dismissal. Model letter providing a statement of the reasons for an employee's dismissal Model letter providing a statement of the reasons for an employee's dismissal where the employee is pregnant, or on maternity or adoption leave

Q: Are employees who are dismissed while on shared parental leave entitled to a written statement of reasons for dismissal?

No, unlike employees on maternity leave or adoption leave, employees who are dismissed while on shared parental leave are not autom