Ending employment

A contract of employment may be ended with the agreement of both parties, or by the employer or employee giving the required amount of notice.

An employee may make a claim of constructive dismissal if they feel they had no choice but to resign, for example if they feel that there has been a fundamental breach or change to their contract.

Older workers can choose when they retire and can take any occupational pension they’re entitled to. Usually the employer cannot force an employee to retire.

Employees can be dismissed for reasons such as gross misconduct or a fundamental breach of contract. A fair and robust process should be followed where all parties have certain rights and responsibilities.

When employers wish to make employees redundant they must follow a clear and fair process. The Labour Relations Agency has a redundancy flowchart which can help employers and employees in this situation.

If the employer or employee wishes to end the employment relationship they must give each other notice.

When an individual’s employment is due to end, the employer must calculate his/her final pay.