An unfair dismissal claim usually starts by contacting Acas for mandatory early conciliation before applying to an employment tribunal. The usual deadline is three months less one day from the dismissal, although some claims have different rules, so check promptly. You generally need two years’ service for ordinary unfair dismissal, but this qualifying period does not apply to certain automatically unfair reasons or discrimination claims. If conciliation does not resolve the dispute, you can submit an ET1 claim, after which the employer responds and the tribunal may consider evidence at a hearing. Acas guidance or a solicitor regulated by the SRA can help you assess your position.