What should I check before deciding to challenge my redundancy?

Before taking legal action, you should check for procedural defects. This involves verifying whether there was meaningful individual or collective consultation, if the selection criteria used were fair, and whether the employer considered any suitable alternative roles for you before making you redundant.

How do I start the process of challenging my redundancy internally?

You should appeal the dismissal in writing within the timeframe specified by your company's policy. This period is usually between five and ten days. It is important to adhere to these internal deadlines to preserve your right to challenge the decision through the company's own procedures.

Is ACAS conciliation required before I can go to an Employment Tribunal?

Yes, ACAS Early Conciliation is a mandatory step before you can proceed to an Employment Tribunal. You must complete this conciliation process before submitting your formal claim. The overall journey from challenge to resolution can take between six and eighteen months.

What is the deadline for submitting an unfair dismissal claim to the Employment Tribunal?

You must submit your ET1 claim within three months less one day from the effective date of termination. This claim can be based on grounds such as unfair selection, inadequate consultation, or a failure to consider alternative employment options.

What kind of compensation can I receive if I win my redundancy challenge?

If your claim is successful, the compensation framework is the same as for general unfair dismissal. This includes a basic award and a compensatory award. The specific amounts are determined based on the circumstances of your case and the applicable legal limits.

All Legal Journeys

Employment Law

UK-wide

5 stages

6–18 months

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Redundancy challenge journey

Challenge an unfair redundancy through internal appeal, ACAS conciliation, and Employment Tribunal.

This page covers UK-wide law. Where local procedure differs (e.g. courts or tribunals), this is noted in the relevant section.

Who Uses This Journey

Employees made (or being made) redundant who believe the process was unfair, the selection criteria discriminatory, or the consultation inadequate.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Identify procedural defects

Check: was there meaningful individual/collective consultation? Was selection criteria fair? Were suitable alternative roles considered?

Internal appeal

Appeal the dismissal in writing within the company's policy timeframe (usually 5–10 days).

ACAS Early Conciliation

Mandatory.

Deadline: 3 months less 1 day from EDT

ET1 — unfair dismissal

Claim on grounds of unfair selection, inadequate consultation, or failure to consider alternatives.

Forms at This Stage

ET1

Hearing and remedy

Same compensation framework as unfair dismissal (basic + compensatory).

Official Sources

ERA 1996 s.139–162 (redundancy)

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before deciding to challenge my redundancy?: Before taking legal action, you should check for procedural defects. This involves verifying whether there was meaningful individual or collective consultation, if the selection criteria used were fair, and whether the employer considered any suitable alternative roles for you before making you redundant.
How do I start the process of challenging my redundancy internally?: You should appeal the dismissal in writing within the timeframe specified by your company's policy. This period is usually between five and ten days. It is important to adhere to these internal deadlines to preserve your right to challenge the decision through the company's own procedures.
Is ACAS conciliation required before I can go to an Employment Tribunal?: Yes, ACAS Early Conciliation is a mandatory step before you can proceed to an Employment Tribunal. You must complete this conciliation process before submitting your formal claim. The overall journey from challenge to resolution can take between six and eighteen months.
What is the deadline for submitting an unfair dismissal claim to the Employment Tribunal?: You must submit your ET1 claim within three months less one day from the effective date of termination. This claim can be based on grounds such as unfair selection, inadequate consultation, or a failure to consider alternative employment options.
What kind of compensation can I receive if I win my redundancy challenge?: If your claim is successful, the compensation framework is the same as for general unfair dismissal. This includes a basic award and a compensatory award. The specific amounts are determined based on the circumstances of your case and the applicable legal limits.