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Work · Ireland
Updated September 2026

⚖️ I was dismissed and I think it is unfair — who do I contact, and how fast?

Direct answer

Dismissal claims have the shortest deadlines in labour law — as little as two or three weeks in some countries to contest in writing or at the labour court. So: do not sign anything today, do not accept a "settlement" on the spot, and get advice this week. Your trade union (ICTU) (ictu.ie) represents members and often advises non-members for a first appointment; join now if you are not one. Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) (0818 80 80 90) checks whether the dismissal breached protective rules (illness, pregnancy, works council, notice). Legal Aid Board / FLAC (0818 615 200) is where the claim goes — cheap and without a lawyer in most countries.

Call firstYour trade union (ICTU)
Report toWorkplace Relations Commission (WRC)
If that failsLegal Aid Board / FLAC

🗣️ What to say

"I received notice of dismissal on [date], effective [date], for [reason given / no reason]. I contest the dismissal as unjustified [and in breach of my protection as … ]. I ask you to withdraw it or to state the grounds in writing. I reserve all rights and will not sign a settlement without advice."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Note the date and the deadlineThe day you received the notice starts the clock. Contest in writing before the deadline even if you have not finished thinking.
  2. Sign nothingNo mutual termination, no waiver, no "acknowledgement" — a signature can cost you unemployment benefit and the claim.
  3. Get the reasons in writingYou are entitled to them. Vague reasons are usually the employer's weakness.
  4. Advice now: Your trade union (ICTU)Union lawyers see these every day and know the local court's practice. Legal aid if you are not a member and cannot pay.
  5. File at Legal Aid Board / FLACA reinstatement or compensation claim, within the deadline; most cases settle at the first hearing.

📇 All contacts

Your trade union (ICTU)Advice and representationFor members; join first if you are not🔗 www.ictu.ie
Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)Complaints under the Payment of Wages Act, inspections, adjudicationWithin 6 months of the unpaid date📞 0818 80 80 90🔗 www.workplacerelations.ie
Legal Aid Board / FLACCivil legal aid on low income; free legal advice clinics (FLAC)When you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0818 615 200🔗 www.legalaidboard.ie
District Court — small claimsClaims up to €2,000 without a solicitorWhen the other side is not a landlord under RTB rules🔗 www.courts.ie/small-claims

❓ Frequently asked

Is dismissal without a reason allowed?

In most EU countries not after the trial period: there must be a valid economic, conduct or capability ground, and a fair procedure. In a few countries at-will dismissal exists but discrimination and retaliation are still banned.

Will I get unemployment benefit?

Yes, unless you resigned or agreed a termination without good cause. That is why you sign nothing. Register with the employment service on day one regardless.

They offer money if I sign today

Take it home. Anything worth signing is still worth signing tomorrow after advice. Offers rarely shrink; claims often grow.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “unfair dismissal deadline Ireland”
  • “dismissed what to do first”
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  • “fired without reason rights”
  • “settlement agreement sign or not”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

💼Unpaid wages→💰Severance pay→🧾Client won't pay→🤒Sick and pressured→

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