A termination letter formally ends the employment relationship. It must be given at the correct stage of a fair process (capability, conduct, redundancy, or mutual agreement). Dismissal without a fair process risks an unfair dismissal claim if the employee has 2+ years' service.

• Employee needs 2+ years service to claim unfair dismissal (with exceptions)
• Statutory notice: 1 week per year of service (minimum 1 week, maximum 12 weeks)
• Summary dismissal (no notice) only for gross misconduct
• Dismissal letter must state reason, notice period, right of appeal
• Keep a copy — it may be needed in tribunal proceedings

Legal reference: Employment Rights Act 1996 ss.86-91 (notice); ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary Procedures