Unfair Dismissal Compensation Estimator UK 2026
Estimate the Basic Award and Compensatory Award you could claim at Employment Tribunal. Updated for the 2026/27 statutory caps.
Compensation for a successful unfair dismissal claim is made up of two separate elements:
- Basic Award — calculated using the same formula as statutory redundancy pay, based on your age, length of service (capped at 20 years), and a week's pay (capped at £751 for 2026/27).
- Compensatory Award — covers your actual financial losses, such as lost earnings and benefits. It is capped at the lower of £123,543 or 52 weeks' gross pay.
To claim unfair dismissal you generally need at least 2 years' continuous service (falling to 6 months for dismissals from 1 January 2027, and the compensatory award cap is being removed entirely from that date, under the Employment Rights Act 2025). This tool gives an estimate only — every tribunal case is decided on its own facts.
Basic Award
Based on age, length of service, and gross weekly pay — same formula as statutory redundancy pay.
Must generally be 2+ years to claim
Before tax. Capped at £751/week for the Basic Award, even if you earn more.
Compensatory Award
Covers your actual financial losses from the dismissal.
Used to calculate lost earnings — this is different from the gross figure above.
Time out of work, or expected until finding comparable work
e.g. pension contributions, company car — optional
A customary nominal sum — commonly around £500
Offsets against the Basic Award first, then any excess against the Compensatory Award
If a tribunal finds you partly contributed to the dismissal
Employer failed to follow the ACAS Code of Practice
Applies a 25% uplift to the Compensatory Award, as tribunals can award up to 25% for unreasonable failure to follow the ACAS Code.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Basic Award and Compensatory Award?
The Basic Award is a fixed formula based on age, service, and weekly pay — the same calculation used for statutory redundancy pay. The Compensatory Award instead reflects your actual financial losses, such as lost earnings while you find new work.
Is there a maximum amount I can claim?
The Compensatory Award is capped at the lower of £123,543 (2026/27) or 52 weeks' gross pay. There is no equivalent cap on the Basic Award beyond the week's pay cap of £751 and the 20-year service limit.
What is the ACAS uplift?
If an employer unreasonably fails to follow the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, a tribunal can increase the Compensatory Award by up to 25%. The reverse also applies — an employee's unreasonable failure to follow the Code can lead to a reduction.
What counts as contributory conduct?
If a tribunal finds that your own conduct contributed to your dismissal, it can reduce both the Basic Award and Compensatory Award by a percentage it considers just and equitable — sometimes as much as 100%.
Does redundancy pay affect my unfair dismissal compensation?
Yes. Any redundancy payment you have already received is offset first against the Basic Award. If it exceeds the Basic Award, the excess also reduces the Compensatory Award, to avoid double compensation.
How is my expected job-search period estimated?
There is no fixed rule — tribunals assess future loss based on your age, sector, local job market, and how long it reasonably takes to find comparable work. This calculator asks you to enter your own estimate, since this figure varies enormously by individual circumstances.