⏰ Time limit: 3 months from dismissal. If you were recently dismissed, do not wait — the Industrial Disputes Tribunal deadline is strict.
What the Law Says
Common Signs Your Dismissal May Have Been Unfair
You were told to leave with no reason, or a vague reason such as "you are not suitable."
You raised a concern about pay, conditions, or your rights — and were dismissed shortly afterwards.
You were dismissed immediately without any prior warning, meeting, or opportunity to respond to concerns.
Your working conditions were made so difficult that you felt you had no choice but to resign — this may constitute constructive dismissal.
You were dismissed without your statutory or contractual notice period or payment in lieu of notice.
What You May Be Entitled To
The IDT can award up to 2 years' salary for unfair dismissal, depending on length of service and circumstances.
If dismissed without notice, you are entitled to your statutory or contractual notice period pay.
Any untaken annual leave must be paid on termination, regardless of the reason for dismissal.
Evidence to Gather
- Dismissal letter or message — any written communication about your dismissal, including WhatsApp or texts.
- Messages about your complaint — if you raised a concern before being dismissed, keep all related messages.
- Timeline of events — note the dates of your complaint, any warnings, and your dismissal.
- Witnesses — colleagues who witnessed the dismissal or events leading up to it.
- Payslips — to establish your wage rate for any compensation calculation.
What You Can Do Next
The IDT time limit is strict. Note the date of your dismissal and ensure you file within 3 months. If in doubt, seek advice immediately.
Before filing a claim, a professional letter requesting reasons for dismissal and outstanding payments may prompt resolution. WorkerShield generates this for €10.
The IDT has locations in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos. You can self-represent. No filing fee.
SEK (+357 22 866 866) and PEO (+357 22 882 282) provide free representation for members in IDT proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfair dismissal occurs when an employer terminates employment without a fair reason or without following a fair process, contrary to the Termination of Employment Law (Cap. 20). Protection applies after 26 weeks of continuous employment.
You must apply to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal within 3 months of your dismissal. This time limit is strict — do not delay.
The Industrial Disputes Tribunal can award compensation of up to 2 years' salary for unfair dismissal. The actual amount depends on your length of service, pay, and circumstances.
No. Dismissing an employee for asserting their employment rights is unlawful retaliation. The burden of proof shifts to the employer to show the dismissal was for an unrelated reason.
No. The IDT is designed to be accessible to workers without legal representation. You can self-represent. For complex cases, legal advice is recommended.