Constructive Dismissal Solicitors in Coventry
Being forced to resign because of your employer’s behaviour can be incredibly distressing, especially when you're questioning your rights and next steps. Our constructive dismissal solicitors for employees in Coventry are here to support you with clarity, care and confidence, helping you move forward confidently and negating any impact on your career.
If your employer has made your working conditions intolerable by bullying, issuing a demotion, making sudden changes to your role, or breaching your contract, you may have grounds for a constructive dismissal claim. It’s essential to understand your rights before making any decisions about your future.
Every case is different, so we take the time to listen and explain your legal options in plain English. We appreciate the stress that can come with commencing legal action against your employer, so can assure you that we’ll be by your side throughout the process, offering expert legal advice and personable support.
Our constructive dismissal solicitors in Coventry can assist with:
- Assessment of Constructive Dismissal Claims
- Pre-Resignation Legal Advice
- Negotiating Settlement Agreements
- Representation at Employment Tribunals
Book a consultation with our constructive dismissal solicitors in Coventry today
If you’re facing a constructive dismissal case, don’t wait to pursue legal action. You can call our expert solicitors on 024 7663 2121 or email us at info@bandhattonbutton.com.
Our employment law solicitors for employees can provide specialised, accessible guidance on various issues, regardless of your employment status.
If you feel as if you’ve been unfairly dismissed, please get in touch with our unfair dismissal solicitors.
Our constructive dismissal solicitors’ charges
Due to the variable nature of constructive dismissal cases, our solicitors’ fees are typically charged at an hourly rate. However, we may offer a fixed-fee service in some cases: please don’t hesitate to enquire.
For more information about our fees, please click here. For information on employment tribunal pricing, please click here.
How to make a compensation claim for constructive dismissal in Coventry
It’s important that you closely follow a specific process when making a claim for constructive dismissal, because your actions before and after resigning can significantly affect the strength of your claim. You should follow these steps:
- Identify the Breach of Contract – You must establish the unlawful breach of contract that caused you to resign, which may include bullying, undermining authority, unlawful changes to your role or failure to support wellbeing.
- Raise a Formal Grievance – It’s often advised to raise your concerns through your employer’s grievance procedure. This formalises that you gave your employer a chance to resolve the matter and so may strengthen your legal position.
- Resign Promptly and Clearly – Make it clear that your resignation is due to your employer’s conduct. If you delay, this could be perceived as you accepting the behaviour.
- Seek Legal Advice Immediately – An expert employment solicitor can assess your case, help you resign correctly, and advise on potential outcomes, including whether to pursue a settlement or file a tribunal claim.
- Submit an Early Conciliation Notification to Acas - Before making a tribunal claim, you must contact Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) to start Early Conciliation. This is a mandatory process that gives both parties a chance to settle the dispute constructively.
- Make an Employment Tribunal Claim – If the matter cannot be resolved through conciliation, you can submit a claim to the Employment Tribunal. You should take urgent advice about the short and very strict deadlines for commencing legal action.
How can Band Hatton Button’s constructive dismissal solicitors assist me?
Assessment of constructive dismissal claims
Understanding whether you have a valid constructive dismissal claim is the first crucial step. Our constructive dismissal solicitors in Coventry will carefully review the details of your case, including changes to your role or working conditions, breaches of contract or workplace mistreatment.
Because constructive dismissal claims rely on interpreting nuanced legal thresholds and the specific context of your resignation, expert analysis is essential to avoid weak or unfounded claims. We provide clear, realistic advice on whether your employer’s actions amount to a serious breach of employment law.
Pre-resignation legal advice
If you're still employed but considering resigning, it’s vital to seek legal guidance before taking any steps. Delaying your resignation or not documenting your concerns properly can undermine your ability to claim, so it’s crucial to get ahead promptly.
Our solicitors offer tailored pre-resignation advice to ensure your legal position is protected from the outset. We’ll help you understand your options, advise you on raising a formal grievance, and explain the potential consequences of your resignation.
Negotiating settlement agreements
Many employees prefer to resolve disputes through a negotiated exit, avoiding the stress of a tribunal. If you're exploring this route, our solicitors can negotiate a fair and legally sound settlement on your behalf. We work to secure favourable terms and ensure your rights are protected throughout.
Because settlement discussions often involve complex considerations around tax, confidentiality clauses, and post-employment restrictions, specialist legal input is key to securing a balanced outcome.
Representation at Employment Tribunals
If your case goes to an Employment Tribunal, you need experienced representation to present your claim clearly and persuasively. Tribunal proceedings can be intricate, with strict deadlines, evidential burdens, and cross-examination, so expert advocacy is essential to navigate the process effectively.
Our tribunal representation solicitors will guide you through every stage, including preparing your claim and gathering evidence to arranging representation at hearings. We’ll build a strong case that supports your version of events and maximises your chance of securing constructive dismissal compensation.
Frequently asked questions about constructive dismissal
What is constructive dismissal?
Constructive dismissal occurs when an employee feels they have no choice but to resign due to their employer’s behaviour. This typically involves a serious breach of contract, such as a sudden demotion, a reduction in pay, harassment, or unsafe working conditions.
In the eyes of constructive dismissal law, the resignation is treated as a dismissal caused by the employer’s actions. Our constructive dismissal solicitors in Coventry can help you understand whether your situation qualifies and, if so, how to proceed with a constructive dismissal claim.
How does constructive dismissal differ from unfair dismissal?
Unfair dismissal usually refers to being fired by an employer without a fair reason or proper procedure. In contrast, constructive dismissal happens when an employee resigns because their employer has breached the contract or created an intolerable working environment.
While both can lead to compensation claims, constructive dismissal claims tend to be more complex and require careful legal guidance. This is because scrupulous examination of your contract is needed to assess claims for a constructive dismissal, so having expert legal advice by your side is recommended to ensure your case has the greatest chance of success.
What should I do if I have been forced to resign from a job in Coventry?
If you've been forced to resign due to unfair treatment or a breach of contract, it's important to act quickly. It may be appropriate to raise a formal grievance. You should seek expert professional constructive dismissal advice in Coventry.
A constructive dismissal solicitor can guide you through the next steps, including how to word your resignation, gather evidence, and begin an Early Conciliation process through Acas. Acting swiftly helps preserve your right to make a constructive dismissal claim in Coventry and improves your chances of securing constructive dismissal compensation.
How do I prove constructive dismissal?
To succeed in a constructive dismissal claim, you need to prove that the following criteria apply:
- Your employer committed a serious breach of contract
- You resigned as a direct result of that breach
- You did not wait too long to resign after the breach occurred
Evidence might include emails, witness statements, formal grievances, or employment documents. Because the burden of proof lies with the employee, seeking legal support from a constructive dismissal solicitor is vital.
Is there a time limit on making a constructive dismissal claim?
Yes – you should take advice regarding the deadlines, which are short and very strict. Before making a claim, you must notify Acas and go through the Early Conciliation process. Missing the deadline could mean losing the right to claim at all.
How long does a constructive dismissal claim take?
The timeline for a constructive dismissal claim can vary depending on whether the case is settled early or proceeds to a tribunal. If a settlement is reached during Early Conciliation or through negotiations, it might take a few weeks or months. If the matter goes to a full Employment Tribunal hearing, it could take 6 to 12 months or more.
Contact our constructive dismissal solicitors in Coventry today
If you’re facing a constructive dismissal case, don’t wait to pursue legal action. You can call our expert solicitors on 024 7663 2121 or email us at info@bandhattonbutton.com.