Help with Unfair Dismissal.

Why Legal Advice Helps in Unfair Dismissal and Personal Grievances

Not all dismissals are lawful. Many employees are not told the full picture and do not realise they may have grounds to challenge what happened.

If you were dismissed without a fair process or proper reason, or felt pressured to resign, you may be able to raise a personal grievance. Early legal advice can help you understand your rights and take the next step with confidence.

What We Help With

We assist employees by:

• Reviewing employment agreements and termination letters

• Assessing whether the dismissal was justified

• Explaining legal rights and available options

• Raising personal grievances and negotiating resolutions

• Supporting clients through mediation or the Employment Relations Authority process

Support That Is Clear and Respectful

Employment issues are often emotional and time sensitive. We provide practical advice in plain English and focus on helping you make informed decisions about your next steps.

We understand the stress these situations can cause and work with you to resolve things constructively, without adding pressure.

Where We Work

Our employment law team is based in Wellington, Lower Hutt, and Masterton, supporting employees with dismissal claims and personal grievances throughout New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Unfair Dismissal and Personal Grievances

What makes a dismissal unlawful?

A dismissal may be unlawful if there was no fair process, no valid reason, or if the decision was influenced by bias or pressure. You may also have a claim if you were forced to resign or were not given the chance to respond before being dismissed.

How do I know if I can raise a personal grievance?

We assess your situation by reviewing your contract, your employer’s actions, and the reasons given for your dismissal. If you were treated unfairly or your rights were not respected, you may have grounds to raise a grievance under New Zealand employment law.

What does raising a personal grievance involve?

It usually begins with a formal letter outlining your concerns. This can lead to negotiation, mediation, or in some cases, a process before the Employment Relations Authority. We guide you through each stage and help you stay informed and in control.

Do I have to go through mediation or a hearing?

Not always. Many matters are resolved through direct negotiation or early mediation. We help you choose the right approach based on what outcome you want and how far along the issue has progressed.

Is there a time limit for raising a grievance?

Yes. In most situations, you need to raise a personal grievance within 90 days of the dismissal or the event that led to it. Acting early gives you more options and avoids missing important deadlines. If you are unsure where you stand, we can help you understand your rights and what steps are available.