How long do I have to send a redundancy appeal letter?

You should use this template within the appeal period specified in your redundancy notice, which is typically five to ten working days. If you have missed this deadline, you must explain the reason for your late appeal immediately in your correspondence.

When should I use a redundancy appeal letter?

You should appeal if you believe the selection criteria were unfair or discriminatory, the consultation was inadequate, the selection pool was too narrow, or suitable alternative roles were not offered. However, do not use this if you have already accepted voluntary redundancy on agreed terms, as this may constitute acceptance of a settlement.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in a redundancy appeal?

A general statement of unhappiness is insufficient. You must identify specific grounds, such as unfair selection criteria or inadequate consultation. You should also request details of the scoring matrix if you have not seen it and explicitly ask about suitable alternative employment, which is a separate right.

Can I request the scoring matrix and selection criteria in my appeal?

Yes, the template includes a section to request a copy of the selection criteria, your scores, anonymised scores of comparable employees, the selection pool definition, and meeting minutes. This information is necessary to properly understand the basis of your selection and support your appeal.

Can I bring someone with me to the redundancy appeal hearing?

You have the right to be accompanied at the appeal hearing. The template allows you to specify your chosen companion, such as a trade union representative or a colleague, when requesting that a hearing be arranged at the earliest opportunity.

Does sending an appeal letter stop me from making a legal claim later?

The letter should state that the appeal is submitted without prejudice to any legal claims you may have. If you believe the redundancy was a sham, you should consider whether an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim is more appropriate alongside the appeal.

← All Templates

Employment

Employment Law

Updated 2026-04-17

Redundancy Appeal Letter

Appeal against a redundancy selection decision, challenging the criteria applied or the process followed.

This template was not drafted by a solicitor.

It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.

When to use this template

Use this within the appeal period specified in your redundancy notice (typically 5–10 working days). You should appeal if you believe the selection criteria were unfair or discriminatory, the consultation was inadequate, the selection pool was too narrow, or there were suitable alternative roles you were not offered.

When NOT to use this template

Do not use this if you have already accepted voluntary redundancy on agreed terms, as this may constitute acceptance of a settlement. If you have been dismissed and believe the redundancy was a sham, consider whether an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim is more appropriate alongside the appeal.

Legal Basis

Employment Rights Act 1996, s.98(4) (fairness of redundancy); s.188 Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (collective consultation); ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures (applies to redundancy appeals); Equality Act 2010 (if selection criteria indirectly discriminatory).

Before you send

Missing the appeal deadline — if it has passed, explain the reason for late appeal immediately
Not identifying specific grounds of appeal — a general statement of unhappiness is insufficient
Not requesting details of the scoring matrix if you have not seen it

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Missing the appeal deadline — if it has passed, explain the reason for late appeal immediately
✗Not identifying specific grounds of appeal — a general statement of unhappiness is insufficient
✗Not requesting details of the scoring matrix if you have not seen it
✗Forgetting to ask about suitable alternative employment, which is a separate right

Build Your Letter

Fill in your details

Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.

Your full name*

Your job title*

Date of letter*

HR manager's name*

Company name*

Company address*

Date redundancy notice was given*

First ground of appeal (short heading)*

Details of first ground of appeal*

Optional fields

Your department

Your employee/payroll number

Second ground of appeal (short heading)

Details of second ground of appeal

Any additional grounds

Position on alternative employment

Your chosen companion

Letter preview

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[YOUR JOB TITLE]
[YOUR DEPARTMENT]
[YOUR EMPLOYEE/PAYROLL NUMBER]

[DATE OF LETTER]

[HR MANAGER'S NAME]
Human Resources
[COMPANY NAME]
[COMPANY ADDRESS]

---

Dear [HR MANAGER'S NAME],

**APPEAL AGAINST REDUNDANCY SELECTION — [YOUR FULL NAME]**

I write to formally appeal against the decision to select me for redundancy, notified to me on [DATE REDUNDANCY NOTICE WAS GIVEN]. I submit this appeal in accordance with [COMPANY NAME]'s redundancy procedure.

**Grounds of appeal**

My appeal is based on the following grounds:

**Ground 1: [FIRST GROUND OF APPEAL (SHORT HEADING)]**

[DETAILS OF FIRST GROUND OF APPEAL]

**Ground 2: [SECOND GROUND OF APPEAL (SHORT HEADING)]**

[DETAILS OF SECOND GROUND OF APPEAL]

[ANY ADDITIONAL GROUNDS]

**Information requested**

In order to properly understand the basis of my selection, I request the following information:

1. A copy of the selection criteria used and the scores awarded to me in each category.
2. The scores awarded to comparable employees in the selection pool, in anonymised form if necessary.
3. A copy of any selection pool definition and the methodology for its formation.
4. Minutes or notes of any meetings at which my selection was discussed.

**Suitable alternative employment**

[POSITION ON ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT]

**Request for appeal hearing**

I ask that an appeal hearing be arranged at the earliest opportunity. I wish to exercise my right to be accompanied at the hearing by [YOUR CHOSEN COMPANION].

**Without prejudice position**

Please note that this appeal is submitted without prejudice to any legal claims I may have arising from this redundancy process.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR FULL NAME]

Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.

Related Guides

Related Rights

Official Resources

ACAS — Redundancy →Gov.uk — Your Rights during Redundancy →

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to send a redundancy appeal letter?: You should use this template within the appeal period specified in your redundancy notice, which is typically five to ten working days. If you have missed this deadline, you must explain the reason for your late appeal immediately in your correspondence.
When should I use a redundancy appeal letter?: You should appeal if you believe the selection criteria were unfair or discriminatory, the consultation was inadequate, the selection pool was too narrow, or suitable alternative roles were not offered. However, do not use this if you have already accepted voluntary redundancy on agreed terms, as this may constitute acceptance of a settlement.
What are the common mistakes to avoid in a redundancy appeal?: A general statement of unhappiness is insufficient. You must identify specific grounds, such as unfair selection criteria or inadequate consultation. You should also request details of the scoring matrix if you have not seen it and explicitly ask about suitable alternative employment, which is a separate right.
Can I request the scoring matrix and selection criteria in my appeal?: Yes, the template includes a section to request a copy of the selection criteria, your scores, anonymised scores of comparable employees, the selection pool definition, and meeting minutes. This information is necessary to properly understand the basis of your selection and support your appeal.
Can I bring someone with me to the redundancy appeal hearing?: You have the right to be accompanied at the appeal hearing. The template allows you to specify your chosen companion, such as a trade union representative or a colleague, when requesting that a hearing be arranged at the earliest opportunity.
Does sending an appeal letter stop me from making a legal claim later?: The letter should state that the appeal is submitted without prejudice to any legal claims you may have. If you believe the redundancy was a sham, you should consider whether an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim is more appropriate alongside the appeal.