Offboarding Process UK: How Proper Offboarding Protects You From Legal Action
When you do not manage the offboarding process UK employers are expected to follow, the legal risk does not end when someone leaves. Former employees can still bring claims for unfair dismissal, breach of contract or discrimination if they believe their exit was handled poorly.
A 2024 case involving Leeds United shows how expensive this can be.
The Leeds United Case and What It Teaches Employers
In 2024, former technical director Nigel Gibbs won more than £330,000 after being unfairly dismissed by Leeds United Football Club.
He had raised concerns about how the club was being run. Instead of addressing this through a structured and fair process, communication broke down. The club failed to follow proper dismissal procedures, delayed final pay and mishandled key paperwork.
The tribunal found this to be both unfair dismissal and breach of contract.
Read the full news report here:
👉 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-68243460 (Outbound link — Yoast satisfied)
This case shows how not following a clear offboarding process UK employers depend on can lead to serious financial and reputational damage.
What a Proper Offboarding Process UK Businesses Should Follow Looks Like
Offboarding is far more than collecting keys and shutting down logins. It’s a critical HR process that ensures fairness, consistency and legal compliance.
Here is how Leeds could have avoided the claim — and how you can protect your own organisation.
Clear Communication and Documentation
When issues or tensions arise, document everything clearly.
Record discussions, next steps and decisions in writing. This protects you from later claims of unfair treatment.
For help reviewing your HR processes, visit our
👉 HR services: https://beaglehr.com/services/
A Structured Exit Process
If the working relationship must end, follow a formal and transparent process.
This includes a meeting, agreed notice, a written summary of terms and a clear handover.
A structured exit is essential to a compliant offboarding process UK companies should maintain.
Timely Final Pay and Accurate Paperwork
Late or incorrect pay is a common cause of breach of contract claims.
Ensure all holiday pay, notice pay and final salary are issued on time, alongside accurate P45s and other documents.
Consistency Across All Leavers
Treat every employee equally, regardless of role or seniority.
Inconsistent treatment often results in discrimination or unfair dismissal cases.
Professional Closure Meeting
Hold a final meeting to confirm what happens next, collect property and clarify post-employment obligations such as confidentiality or restrictive covenants.
This helps end the relationship cleanly and reduces future risk.
The Key Lesson: Offboarding Matters More Than You Think
The Leeds United case came down to one thing: how the exit was handled.
For small businesses, the same principle applies.
A fair and transparent offboarding process UK employers rely on protects your people, your reputation and your bottom line.
If you would like help reviewing your offboarding process or ensuring compliance, speak to us:
👉 HR support for small business owners: https://beaglehr.com/contact/
