Last reviewed March 2026 — LetterSure editorial team
Being made redundant is stressful. If you believe the process was unfair or your selection was wrong, you have the right to appeal. Here is how to write a letter that gives you the best chance of success.
While there is no automatic legal right to appeal a redundancy in the UK, most employers include an appeals procedure in their redundancy policy. If your employer has such a policy, they must follow it. Failing to allow an appeal when one is promised can strengthen any subsequent Employment Tribunal claim.
Even where no formal appeal process exists, writing a formal letter setting out your concerns is an important step. It creates a paper trail and demonstrates that you raised issues promptly — which matters if you later need to make a claim.
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Generate my appeal letter — £6.99Unfair selection criteria
You were selected using criteria that were not applied consistently or fairly across all employees.
No proper consultation
Your employer failed to consult with you individually or collectively before making the decision.
Failure to consider alternatives
Your employer did not properly explore alternatives to redundancy such as reduced hours or redeployment.
Discriminatory selection
You believe you were selected because of a protected characteristic such as age, gender, or disability.
Incorrect information
The redundancy was based on inaccurate information about your role, performance, or skills.
Breach of procedure
Your employer failed to follow their own redundancy policy or statutory requirements.
Your name, job title and department
Make it clear who you are and what role is being made redundant.
Date of redundancy notification
Reference when you were told and by whom.
Clear grounds for appeal
State specifically why you believe the redundancy was unfair.
Supporting evidence
Include any facts, dates, or examples that support your case.
What outcome you want
Reinstatement, redeployment, or a review of the process.
Request for a meeting
Ask for a formal appeal hearing where you can present your case.
Deadline
Send within any timeframe specified in your employer's policy — usually 5-10 working days.
Check your employer's redundancy policy for the appeal deadline — it is usually 5-10 working days from receiving written notice of redundancy. Missing this deadline can weaken your position significantly so act quickly.
If you are considering an Employment Tribunal claim for unfair dismissal, you generally have 3 months minus one day from your dismissal date to submit a claim. Exhausting the internal appeals process first is strongly recommended.
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Do I have the right to appeal a redundancy decision?
While there is no automatic legal right, most employers include an appeals procedure in their redundancy policy. If your employer has such a policy they must follow it. Failing to allow an appeal can strengthen any subsequent Employment Tribunal claim.
How long do I have to appeal a redundancy decision?
Usually 5-10 working days from receiving written notice of redundancy. Check your employer's redundancy policy for the exact deadline — missing it can weaken your position significantly.
What are valid grounds for appealing a redundancy?
Valid grounds include unfair selection criteria, failure to consult properly, failure to consider alternatives, discriminatory selection, incorrect information being used, or a breach of your employer's own redundancy procedure.
Can I bring someone to a redundancy appeal hearing?
Yes. You have the right to be accompanied by a trade union representative or a work colleague. They can present your case and confer with you but cannot answer questions on your behalf.
What can I do if my redundancy appeal is rejected?
You may be able to bring an unfair dismissal claim to an Employment Tribunal. You generally have 3 months minus one day from your dismissal date to submit a claim. Seek advice from Citizens Advice or Acas before proceeding.
This guide is for general information only. LetterSure letters are personal correspondence drafts and do not constitute legal advice. For legal matters consult a qualified solicitor at solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk.