Unfair Dismissal Compensation Calculator

Estimate your basic award and compensatory award for unfair dismissal — and see the difference the compensation cap's removal makes from 1 January 2027.

This is an estimate for guidance only, not a legal or binding calculation. Tribunal awards depend heavily on your individual circumstances, mitigation of loss, and any contributory fault. LegalRoute.co.uk is an introduction service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice.

Estimated total compensation

£0

ElementAmount
Basic award£0
Compensatory award£0
Law change: compensation cap removed from 1 January 2027 From 6 April 2026, the compensatory award is capped at the lower of £123,543 or 52 weeks' gross pay. The Employment Rights Act 2025 abolishes this cap entirely from 1 January 2027, alongside cutting the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection from 2 years to 6 months.

How the basic award works

The basic award uses the same formula as statutory redundancy pay: a multiplier based on your age during each year of service, applied to your weekly pay (capped at £751 as of 6 April 2026), up to a maximum of 20 years' service.

Age during that year of serviceWeeks' pay per year
Under 220.5 week's pay
22 to 401 week's pay
41 and over1.5 week's pay

How the compensatory award works

The compensatory award reflects your actual financial loss — typically lost earnings until you find (or reasonably should find) comparable work. This calculator approximates that as weekly pay × weeks out of work; a tribunal assesses your specific losses and can reduce the award if you didn't look for new work reasonably promptly. Before 1 January 2027, it's capped at the lower of £123,543 or 52 weeks' gross pay. From 1 January 2027, both limits are removed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum unfair dismissal compensation in the UK?

For dismissals before 1 January 2027, the compensatory award is capped at the lower of £123,543 or 52 weeks' gross pay, on top of a separate basic award. From 1 January 2027, the cap is removed entirely.

Is the unfair dismissal compensation cap being removed?

Yes, from 1 January 2027, alongside the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection dropping from 2 years to 6 months.

Think you might have a claim?

Tribunal time limits are strict — usually 3 months less a day from your dismissal date. Tell us briefly what happened and we'll point you toward the right kind of employment solicitor.

Get pointed to a solicitor →

Not sure if it's redundancy or unfair dismissal? Our sister site LawCheck.co.uk explains the difference, and has a free redundancy pay calculator.