Employment & Labour Law · European Union
Challenge an Unfair Employee Termination With the Right Lawyer
Dismissal is almost never the end of the story — notice periods, severance, the stated grounds for termination and strict procedural rules can all be challenged, but only within tight deadlines. We match you, free of charge, with an employment lawyer who handles termination and dismissal cases in your European country, so you can act quickly and claim what you are owed.
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Who this is for
If you’ve been dismissed, or fear you’re about to be, the clock is already running
Employee termination covers the ending of an employment relationship by the employer, whether for alleged misconduct, poor performance, redundancy or some other stated reason. Across Europe the rules are strict and highly procedural: employers must usually justify the dismissal, follow a fair process and respect mandatory notice and severance obligations. When they do not, the termination may be deemed unfair or unlawful — and that can open the door to reinstatement, compensation or a negotiated settlement. But every country imposes short deadlines for challenging a dismissal, often counted in weeks rather than months. Whether you have just been handed a termination letter, are being pushed towards a ‘mutual’ resignation, or simply suspect you are being managed out, the fastest and most important step is to have your situation assessed by a specialist.
Why employees lose out
Dismissals are usually settled in the details —
and against a deadline most people miss
The grounds stated by the employer, the procedure they followed and the speed of your response all decide whether a termination sticks.
Unfair or invented grounds
Employers frequently rely on vague or exaggerated reasons for dismissal. If the stated grounds do not hold up, the termination may be unfair — but proving that requires gathering evidence and acting within a strict legal deadline.
Missed notice and severance pay
Many dismissed employees accept whatever the employer offers without checking whether their statutory or contractual notice period and severance entitlements have actually been honoured in full.
Pressure to sign a ‘mutual’ resignation
Being pushed to resign or sign a settlement on the spot is common, and it can waive your right to claim later. Once you sign, the window to challenge the dismissal often closes for good.
What you get
A lawyer who reviews your dismissal before the deadline passes
We only match you with employment lawyers who handle termination and dismissal disputes regularly in your country.
Immediate case assessment
Your lawyer reviews the termination letter, the stated grounds and the process followed, then tells you honestly whether the dismissal is likely to be fair, unfair or unlawful under your country’s rules.
Deadline protection
Strict time limits apply to challenging a dismissal in every European country. Your lawyer identifies the relevant deadline for your case and ensures your claim is filed in time.
Severance and notice review
You get a precise calculation of the notice pay, severance and any accrued benefits you are legally entitled to — so you can judge any offer the employer makes against the true figure.
Negotiation and representation
Whether the right outcome is a negotiated settlement or a formal claim, your lawyer handles the correspondence and representation, protecting you from pressure tactics and lowball offers.
Coverage
Employee termination lawyers across Europe
Termination and dismissal rules are set nationally, with materially different notice, severance and procedural requirements in each country. The right lawyer is one who litigates these cases under your specific jurisdiction. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Employee termination — common questions
Can my employer dismiss me without a valid reason?
In most European countries an employer must have a valid, justified reason for dismissal, such as misconduct, poor performance or redundancy, and must usually follow a fair procedure. Where these requirements are not met, the dismissal may be challenged as unfair or unlawful.
How long do I have to challenge a dismissal?
The deadline varies by country and can be as short as a few weeks from the date you are notified. It is essential to seek advice immediately — missing the deadline usually means losing the right to challenge the dismissal at all.
What is the difference between unfair and unlawful dismissal?
The distinction varies by jurisdiction. Broadly, a dismissal may be ‘unfair’ where the reason or procedure does not meet the required standard, and ‘unlawful’ where it breaches a specific legal protection, such as discrimination or dismissal during protected leave. A lawyer can explain the position in your country.
Am I entitled to severance pay when dismissed?
It depends on the country, the reason for dismissal and the terms of your contract. Many European countries provide statutory minimum notice periods and severance, and contractual or collective agreements may add more. Your lawyer can calculate your specific entitlement.
Should I sign a settlement or resignation agreement?
Not without legal advice. Signing a ‘mutual’ termination or settlement can waive your right to bring a later claim. A lawyer can review the terms, check whether the compensation reflects your true entitlements and negotiate a better outcome before you sign.
What evidence should I keep about my dismissal?
Keep the termination letter, any prior warnings or performance reviews, emails and messages about the reasons given, and records of pay and benefits. Your lawyer will use these to assess whether the dismissal was justified and to build your case.
Free case review
Don’t let a dismissal deadline pass without knowing your rights
Tell us what happened and we’ll connect you with an employment lawyer who handles termination cases in your country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.