Policies, contracts, letters, guidance and HR support tools for UK employers.
View full libraryThe Dismissal for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR) Letter is used to formally confirm dismissal where the employer relies on Some Other Substantial Reason as the potentially fair reason for termination. It explains the substantial reason, the circumstances leading to the decision, the process followed, alternatives considered, notice arrangements and the employee's right of appeal.
Use this template to:
-letter-template.jpg "Dismissal for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR) letter template")
If you are managing employee dismissal, the toolkit brings together practical HR templates covering investigations, hearings, decisions, outcome letters and appeals.
This template brings together the key information, sections and considerations you need to create a clear, comprehensive and professional HR document. Preview the document below.
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Dismissal for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR)
I am writing further to the meeting held on [insert date] regarding your potential dismissal due to [insert substantial reason(s) for proposed termination of employment].
Having carefully considered the circumstances, the information available and the representations you have made, I regret to advise you that the Company has decided to terminate your employment on the ground of Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR), being a reason of a kind that is potentially sufficient to justify dismissal.
This decision has not been taken lightly. We recognise the impact that termination of your employment will have and have carefully considered the circumstances before reaching this decision.
Reason for dismissal
For the reasons outlined below, we have discussed with you the
You've seen 10% of how the Dismissal for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR) letter template is structured. Get the complete editable template instantly and customise it for your organisation.
-letter-template-preview.jpg "Dismissal for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR) letter template preview")
A Dismissal for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR) Letter formally confirms an employee's dismissal where the employer relies on Some Other Substantial Reason as the potentially fair reason for termination. SOSR is one of the potentially fair reasons for dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
The template helps the employer explain the specific substantial reason, the circumstances leading to the decision, the process followed, the employee's representations and the alternatives to dismissal that were considered before the decision was reached.
SOSR can apply to a range of substantial business or employment circumstances that do not fall neatly within conduct, capability, redundancy or statutory restriction. The template includes practical examples covering business reorganisation, refusal to accept changes to terms and conditions, conflicts of interest, serious personality clashes or breakdowns in working relationships, pressure from significant third parties and a breakdown in trust and confidence.
These examples are starting points rather than automatic grounds for dismissal. The employer must establish that the particular circumstances amount to a substantial reason and that dismissal is reasonable in the circumstances.
The letter provides a formal record of the decision and explains why the employer believes continued employment is no longer reasonably practicable. It also records the process followed, the employee's opportunity to respond and any alternatives that were considered.
It should be used following an appropriate investigation, consultation or meeting process rather than as a substitute for that process.
The template is suitable for HR professionals, managers and employers dealing with a proposed dismissal where Some Other Substantial Reason is being relied upon as the potentially fair reason.
The employer should establish the genuine substantial reason, investigate the relevant circumstances and give the employee a reasonable opportunity to respond. The employer should also consider whether there are reasonable alternatives to dismissal and whether the proposed decision is reasonable in all the circumstances.
The employee's representations should be genuinely considered before the final decision is made.
Related HR resources and workflow
Explore the HR resources that may be relevant before and / or after using the Dismissal for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR) letter, helping you understand the wider process, maintain appropriate documentation and follow a consistent approach.
Our Guide to Dismissing an Employee for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR) offers step-by-step instructions, ensuring legal compliance and fairness in the dismissal process.
Our dismissal appeal letter template can help you formally challenge your dismissal.
Use these best practice actions, recommended timescales and process stages to understand when and how the Dismissal for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR) letter should be used, helping ensure each step is handled consistently and appropriately documented.
Understand the common mistakes to avoid when using this HR template, helping you reduce risk, prevent unnecessary costs and ensure the process is handled correctly.
SOSR stands for Some Other Substantial Reason. It is one of the potentially fair reasons for dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and can apply where an employer has a substantial reason for dismissal that does not fall within conduct, capability, redundancy or statutory restriction.
Potential examples include certain business reorganisations, refusal to accept substantial changes to terms and conditions, conflicts of interest, serious and irreconcilable breakdowns in working relationships, significant pressure from third parties and substantial breakdowns in trust and confidence. Whether SOSR applies depends on the facts of the individual case.
No. SOSR is a potentially fair reason rather than an automatic justification for dismissal. The employer must establish a genuine substantial reason and show that dismissal was reasonable in the circumstances, having followed a fair process.
HRDocBox combines deep HR knowledge, practical application and years of experience with real employee relations and dismissal situations. This template goes beyond a generic dismissal letter by incorporating practical SOSR scenarios, the process followed, alternatives considered and the key information an employee needs when their employment is being terminated.
AI can produce a generic SOSR dismissal letter, but SOSR cases are highly dependent on the facts and the process followed. HRDocBox combines UK employment-law knowledge, ACAS guidance and practical HR experience to help employers explain the specific substantial reason without assuming that a particular scenario automatically makes dismissal fair.
It can potentially constitute SOSR in appropriate circumstances, particularly where the proposed changes are genuinely substantial and necessary and the employer has properly consulted with the employee. However, refusal to accept a contractual change does not automatically justify dismissal and the employer should consider the circumstances, alternatives and reasonableness of dismissal.
Potentially. A serious and irretrievable breakdown in a working relationship can provide an SOSR reason in appropriate circumstances. The employer should normally demonstrate that the relationship has genuinely broken down, consider attempts to resolve the situation and assess whether there are reasonable alternatives to dismissal.
Yes, where appropriate. The alternatives will depend on the circumstances and could include redeployment, mediation, alternative duties, changes to working arrangements or further consultation. Considering alternatives helps the employer assess whether dismissal is a reasonable response to the substantial reason.
A fair dismissal process should normally provide an opportunity to appeal. The appeal allows the employee to challenge the decision or process and should, where possible, be heard by someone who was not involved in the original decision.
It was useful for keeping the message focused rather than overexplaining things. It gave the manager a clear route through what could otherwise become a fiddly piece of correspondence. The wording gave us a clear basis for the correspondence.
How this content is developed and reviewed
The Dismissal for Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR) letter template is developed using a practical HR methodology that considers current UK employment legislation, ACAS guidance, CIPD good practice and the real-world HR process it supports. Templates and supporting information are regularly reviewed and updated, with additional reviews triggered by significant changes to legislation, guidance or established HR practice, helping ensure each document remains practical, relevant and suitable for UK employers.
Darryl Horn, Chartered HR Director
Darryl is a Chartered HR professional with over 25 years' experience in senior HR and employee relations roles.
He has extensive practical experience of managing dismissal HR processes and founded hrdocbox to provide businesses with practical, professionally developed HR resources grounded in UK employment law and best practice.
HRDocBox has been creating practical UK HR documents since 2009.
"Darryl provides support and advice with excellent judgement, and has a strong understanding of people, policies and UK employment legislation."
"He is someone I trust; consistent, dependable, and committed to doing things properly."
Whether you employ 5 people or 50, hrdocbox gives you the structure, documents and expertise needed to manage employees professionally and legally.
Professionally written and fully compliant with UK employment law
Access a free contract template instantly - or save 10% on any document today.
Use this code at checkout for 10% off anything!
Includes instant download, updates, and full access to your HR templates.
