Dismissal Letter Template & Generator

If you need to formally dismiss an employee following a fair process, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong dismissal letter should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• State the employee is dismissed
• Give the reason for dismissal
• Confirm last day of employment
• Confirm notice period or payment in lieu
• Confirm any outstanding pay or holiday entitlement
• Confirm right of appeal within 5 working days
• Mention ACAS Early Conciliation if they wish to claim unfair dismissal

What a fair dismissal letter needs to confirm

A dismissal letter is the formal record of the outcome and needs to clearly reflect that a fair process was followed — the specific reason for dismissal, reference to the process that led to the decision, and the employee's rights going forward. Getting this letter right matters not just for clarity, but because it's often scrutinised closely if the dismissal is later challenged.

What to include before you send it

• The specific reason for dismissal, matching one of the fair reasons recognised in law (conduct, capability, redundancy, or another substantial reason)
• Confirmation of the process followed, including the hearing date
• The employee's notice entitlement, or pay in lieu if applicable
• The right to appeal, with a clear deadline and process for doing so

Why the right to appeal must be genuinely offered

A dismissal letter that doesn't clearly offer a right to appeal is a common, avoidable procedural failing — even where the underlying decision was reasonable, failing to offer this can weaken an employer's position in a subsequent tribunal claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the employee need to work their notice period?
This depends on the reason for dismissal and the contract terms — gross misconduct dismissals are often summary (no notice), while other dismissals typically require notice or pay in lieu.

What if the employee doesn't respond to the dismissal letter at all?
The dismissal still takes effect as stated in the letter; a lack of response doesn't need to delay the process, though it's worth confirming receipt where possible.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.