Request for Written Reasons for Dismissal
Formal request under section 92 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 for a written statement giving the reasons for dismissal.
When to use this template
Use this when you have been dismissed and want a written statement of reasons. Employees with two or more years' continuous employment are entitled to a written statement within 14 days of request. The right is automatic (no request needed) for employees dismissed during pregnancy or statutory maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave. The written reasons can be used as evidence in an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim.
When NOT to use this template
You must have been dismissed — the right does not apply if your contract has not been terminated. If you resigned and are claiming constructive dismissal, you can still request written reasons but timing is important. Do not delay — you must submit an Employment Tribunal claim within three months of the effective date of termination (less one day).
Legal Basis
Employment Rights Act 1996, s.92 (right to written statement of reasons for dismissal). The right applies after two years' continuous employment, or at any time during pregnancy, maternity leave, adoption leave, or shared parental leave. An employer who unreasonably refuses to provide written reasons, or provides inadequate or untrue reasons, may be ordered by an Employment Tribunal to pay two weeks' pay to the employee (s.93 ERA 1996).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not making the request in writing — a verbal request is harder to prove
- ✗Not checking whether the two-year qualifying period applies to you
- ✗Waiting too long — if tribunal proceedings are likely, issue a claim promptly
- ✗Confusing written reasons with a reference — they are different; an employer can refuse to give a reference (subject to discrimination law) but cannot refuse a s.92 request
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[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [DATE OF LETTER] HR Department / The Directors [EMPLOYER'S NAME / COMPANY NAME] --- Dear Sir or Madam, **REQUEST FOR WRITTEN REASONS FOR DISMISSAL** **Section 92, Employment Rights Act 1996** I write to make a formal request for a written statement setting out the reasons for my dismissal, pursuant to section 92 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. **Background** I was employed by [EMPLOYER'S NAME / COMPANY NAME] [in the role of [YOUR JOB TITLE]]. My employment was terminated with effect from [YOUR EFFECTIVE DATE OF TERMINATION]. **My request** I hereby formally request that you provide me with a written statement giving particulars of the reasons for my dismissal, as required by section 92(1) of the Employment Rights Act 1996. **Your obligation** I am entitled to this statement as an employee with at least two years' continuous employment / as an employee dismissed during a protected period [delete as applicable]. You are required to provide the written statement within 14 days of receiving this request. I would also be grateful if you could confirm: 1. The effective date of termination of my employment. 2. The notice period applied (or payment in lieu) and the calculation of any final payment. 3. Whether you intend to provide a reference for future employment, and if so, its general terms. Please be aware that if you unreasonably fail to provide the written statement, or provide a statement that is inadequate or untrue, I am entitled to complain to an Employment Tribunal under section 93 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, which may result in an award of two weeks' pay. Yours faithfully, [YOUR FULL NAME]
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