What is the difference between wrongful and unfair dismissal?

Wrongful dismissal is a breach of contract, usually failure to give proper notice, while unfair dismissal is when an employer dismisses you without a fair reason or a fair process, and requires two years of service.

How many hours should I spend on this topic?

You can get a solid understanding of the key principles of dismissal in a focused 90-minute session. Focus on the definitions, eligibility, and remedies.

Can I claim both wrongful and unfair dismissal?

Yes, you can bring claims for both concurrently, as they relate to different legal wrongs, but you cannot be compensated twice for the same financial loss.

What if I don't have a written contract?

Even without a written contract, you have statutory rights. For wrongful dismissal, you would be entitled to the statutory minimum notice period if no other period was agreed.

Am I ready for the exam on this topic?

You are ready if you can look at a scenario and correctly identify the potential claims (unfair, wrongful), state the rules for each, and calculate any notice pay due.

What is a "potentially fair reason" for dismissal?

There are five statutory fair reasons: capability or qualifications, employee conduct, redundancy, a statutory duty or restriction, or "Some Other Substantial Reason" (SOSR).

I failed LW before because of scenario questions. How do I get better?

Focus on a structured "Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion" (IRAC) method for every scenario. Practicing with a template, like the one in the worked example, builds a reliable exam technique.

LW Corporate and Business Law

Employment Law and Dismissal: ACCA LW Guide

A clear guide to employment law and dismissal for the ACCA LW exam. Understand unfair, wrongful, and constructive dismissal, with a worked example to secure.