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A constructive dismissal is when an employee resigns because of a very serious breach of their employment contract, which they feel makes it impossible for them to continue in their job.

Every case is different, but past examples have included significant cuts to pay or hours where the contract doesn’t allow it, foul language, bullying, harassment or public humiliation.     

But walking out of your job is an extremely high-risk strategy, which you should avoid unless you absolutely can’t stand to stay. Unreasonable behavior by your employer is not a sufficient reason to claim constructive dismissal.

Very few tribunal claims in this area succeed, and even if you win, the pay-out is nowhere near as high as many people think.

Before making any decision, you should get advice from your union or a qualified advisor.

What is a constructive dismissal?
A constructive dismissal is where an employee resigns because of some very serious action or failure to act by the employer which causes the employee to reasonably believe that continuation of employment is impossible...
I'm fed up with how I'm being treated by my employer and am thinking of resigning. What should I do?
Consider whether any other options are available to you. If you feel you have no alternative but to resign, seek advice before doing so...
If I resign, can I claim constructive dismissal?
Only if your employer's behaviour towards you amounts to a very serious breach of contract...
I've left my job anyway, but do I have a case for constructive dismissal?
Only if you resigned because of behaviour by your employer that amounted to a fundamental breach of contract...