Who is entitled to request written reasons for dismissal?

Employees with two or more years of continuous employment are entitled to a written statement of reasons for dismissal. This right applies automatically without a request if the dismissal occurs during pregnancy, statutory maternity leave, adoption leave, or shared parental leave. The employer must provide this statement within 14 days of receiving a formal written request from the employee.

How do I formally request written reasons for dismissal?

The request must be made in writing to the employer, typically the HR department or directors. A verbal request is harder to prove and is not recommended. The letter should cite section 92 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 and specify that you are requesting a written statement of the reasons for your dismissal.

What happens if my employer refuses to provide written reasons?

If an employer unreasonably refuses to provide written reasons, or provides a statement that is inadequate or untrue, they may be ordered by an Employment Tribunal to pay the employee two weeks' pay. This remedy is available under section 93 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Can I use the written reasons for a tribunal claim?

The written reasons can be used as evidence in an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim. However, they are distinct from a reference. An employer can generally refuse to provide a reference, subject to discrimination law, but they cannot refuse a valid request for written reasons under section 92.

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Employment

Employment Law

Updated 2026-04-17

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.

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 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).

Before you send

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

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

Build Your Letter

Fill in your details

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

Your full name*

Your address*

Date of letter*

Employer's name / company name*

Your effective date of termination*

Optional fields

Your job title

Letter preview

[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]

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 — If You're Dismissed →Gov.uk — Being Dismissed →

Frequently asked questions

Who is entitled to request written reasons for dismissal?: Employees with two or more years of continuous employment are entitled to a written statement of reasons for dismissal. This right applies automatically without a request if the dismissal occurs during pregnancy, statutory maternity leave, adoption leave, or shared parental leave. The employer must provide this statement within 14 days of receiving a formal written request from the employee.
How do I formally request written reasons for dismissal?: The request must be made in writing to the employer, typically the HR department or directors. A verbal request is harder to prove and is not recommended. The letter should cite section 92 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 and specify that you are requesting a written statement of the reasons for your dismissal.
What happens if my employer refuses to provide written reasons?: If an employer unreasonably refuses to provide written reasons, or provides a statement that is inadequate or untrue, they may be ordered by an Employment Tribunal to pay the employee two weeks' pay. This remedy is available under section 93 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Can I use the written reasons for a tribunal claim?: The written reasons can be used as evidence in an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim. However, they are distinct from a reference. An employer can generally refuse to provide a reference, subject to discrimination law, but they cannot refuse a valid request for written reasons under section 92.
Can I request written reasons if I resigned instead of being dismissed?: If you are claiming constructive dismissal after resigning, you can still request written reasons, but timing is critical. You must submit an Employment Tribunal claim within three months of the effective date of termination, less one day. Delaying the request or the claim may result in losing your right to bring proceedings.