SOSR dismissals: understanding when they are needed and how to reduce tribunal risk

2nd December 2025

With AI enabling employees to be more aware of their employment rights and challenge employer decisions, it is more important than ever that employers ensure that they know when and how to effect a fair “some other substantial reason” (SOSR) dismissal.

Do your managers understand when SOSR can be applied and are they equipped to follow a fair and consistent process every time?

We support employers with practical guidance, documentation reviews and procedural advice, helping you ensure your dismissal decisions are fair, defensible and fully documented. We can also train your staff on how to identify when a SOSR dismissal may be appropriate and how to proceed with this, whilst minimising legal risk to the business.

Our support for employers and senior leavers can include the following:

  • Helping you to understand when a SOSR dismissal is appropriate and how it differs from other dismissal grounds
  • Engaging with employees effectively and documenting discussions and decisions clearly and in a helpful way
  • Exploring alternatives to dismissal and what things should be tried before an employee is dismissed
  • Following a fair process consistently and reasonably
  • Minimising the risk of tribunal challenges through thorough procedural compliance
  • We can also train your senior leaders about how to identify and resolve workplace issues. 

Client feedback from a recent SOSR training session:

“Really useful session with clear examples. I feel much more confident now about when and how to use SOSR in tricky situations.”

“A highly informative session. The explanation of SOSR was clear, detailed and easy to understand. I left feeling much more confident about handling SOSR dismissals correctly.”

If you are navigating a complex case or your senior leaders are in need of practical and insightful training on what a fair disciplinary process looks like, our employment specialists, Annie Gray and John Robinson, can help.

We’re here for you – contact us today

0300 124 0406
enquiries@schofieldsweeney.co.uk

Contact Us

Bradford office

Church Bank House
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD1 4DY

What3words - names.frosted.broke
Phone: 01274 350 800 Fax: 01274 306 111

Leeds office

Centura
76 Wellington Street
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS1 2AY

What3words - crass.makes.store
Phone: 0113 849 4000 Fax: 0113 243 9326

Huddersfield office

30 Market Street
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD1 2HG

What3words - eaten.salads.case
Phone: 01484 915 000 Fax: 0800 368 8449

London office

33 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4JH
Phone: 020 8146 5119
Copyright © Schofield Sweeney Solicitors. All Rights Reserved.

Schofield Sweeney LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Website by Tall
Conveyancing Quality