What to do after being dismissed
You were just dismissed and are unsure what to do first.
What should you do in the first few hours?
Write down the exact date you were dismissed. That date starts your 60-day window to act.1
Ask for the reason in writing if your employer has not clearly given one, and keep it safe. Do not sign anything handed to you on the spot. Ask to take it home and read it once the shock has settled.
What should you gather in the first few days?
Collect your contract, your dismissal letter, recent pay slips and any messages or emails about the events. Save copies somewhere apart from your work accounts, in case your access changes without warning.
Note who witnessed key moments and what they saw, while you still remember. A short, rough timeline will be worth more later than you expect now.
Who has to justify what happened to you?
Your employer must prove a fair reason for the dismissal, not you.2 You still need to prepare, but you do not start by proving your own innocence.
This changes how you read your dismissal letter. A vague or generic reason is worth flagging, not accepting.
What should you do this week?
Use the deadline calculator to see how many days you have left to file a Section 20 representation. Read your rights after an unfair dismissal and how to prepare your case.
None of these steps needs a final decision. They keep your options open while you work out what you want.
If you want to challenge the dismissal, ask a lawyer to review it and act for you before you take any step that is hard to undo.
If you were dismissed and are thinking of challenging it, an independent employment lawyer can review what happened and act on the steps that matter most if you have grounds.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.
Common questions
What is the very first thing I should do after a dismissal?
Write down the exact date you were dismissed, since that date starts your 60-day window. Then ask for the reason in writing if it was not already clearly given.
Should I sign anything my employer gives me right away?
No. Have it reviewed first. A settlement or release document can affect your options later, so slow down even if you feel pressure to reply.
What should I gather in the first few days?
Your contract, your dismissal letter, recent pay slips and any messages about the events. Keep everything in one place.
Do I have to decide today whether to file a claim?
No, but you do need to track your deadline from day one. You can keep gathering information and talking to a lawyer while you decide.
Sources
- An employee who believes they were dismissed without just cause or excuse may file a Section 20 representation with the Director General of Industrial Relations within 60 days of the dismissal. Mah Weng Kwai & Associates
- In an unfair dismissal case, the burden of proof rests on the employer to show just cause or excuse for the dismissal. Mah Weng Kwai & Associates
Keep reading
If you were dismissed and are thinking of challenging it, an independent employment lawyer can review what happened and act on the steps that matter most if you have grounds.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.