written reason for dismissal
An employee who has been employed for one year or more at the time when he or she is dismissed is entitled to ask for a written statement of the reason for his or her dismissal. This right also applies if the employee worked under a fixed-term contract that the employer has decided not to renew. The request need not be in writing. Employees who are dismissed while pregnant or on maternity or adoption leave are entitled to written confirmation of the reason for their dismissal without having to request it, and whatever their length of service.
The company must provide the reasons within 14 days of receiving the employee's request. If it wishes, it can send the employee a copy of a previous statement or letter setting out the reasons for dismissal. The statement of reasons that the company gives is admissible in evidence in any legal proceedings and so it could be referred to if the employee claims that his or her dismissal was unfair.