If I have been unfairly dismissed, what could I achieve by going to an employment tribunal?

The outcome of a successful tribunal claim for unfair dismissal is a declaration that the claim is well founded. In such a case the tribunal considers, in order, three possible remedies:

• reinstatement- which means reinstatement to your old job with no financial loss
• re-engagement which means re-employment in a job that is comparable to the one from which you were dismissed
• financial compensation

Reinstatement or re-engagement would only be recommended by an employment tribunal if a claimant wished them to make such an order, but even then it is rare. Normally a compensation order is made instead. If the tribunal orders reinstatement and the employer fails to comply with that order, the tribunal has the power to order a further award of compensation to the claimant.