Termination of Employment

For most people, having employment is one of the most important features of their lives, and probably the most important outside their family. Whilst obtaining a job can be a very disruptive and life-changing event, losing it can be even more so. In this chapter I will consider a number of issues arising out of the termination of employment. I will begin by considering whether it can be justified for legal remedies to be dependent upon the employee having acquired a period of employment with an employer. I will then examine if the concept of dismissal in law is coherent and then consider issues concerning the idea of termination by agreement of the parties. I will conclude by assessing whether or not the law provides adequate protection to employees when they are dismissed, and how far the law of unfair dismissal is really concerned with fairness.