Received a notice of termination – what now?

What to do after being dismissed from your job?

The moment when you receive your notice of dismissal affects everyone differently – but it always hits hard. First comes the shock, then anger, uncertainty, perhaps fear. Questions come thick and fast: Are they even allowed to do that? What does this mean for me now? And how much time do I actually have to do something about it?

Most of those affected do not know that everything is decided in the first few days. Those who hesitate now not only lose precious time, but also opportunities. This is because there is a legal deadline: after three weeks, it is usually no longer possible to file an unfair dismissal claim. After that, the dismissal is considered effective, even if it was unlawful.

However, those who remain calm, meet deadlines and take targeted action can achieve a great deal. Returning to the job is sometimes legally possible, but emotionally it is rarely a good option. That is why the better path often leads to a fair severance payment and a clean slate. However, even a severance payment is usually no longer possible if the deadline for filing a lawsuit has passed without a lawsuit being filed.

What can you do?

You can find out which steps really matter now on the page „Understanding severance payments”.

Note: this website describes the situation in Germany.

Rating for this site

• Understanding severance pay – and using it correctly
• Severance pay – do I really have to pay it?
• Received unfair dismissal claim or severance payment claim