1 July 2026 marks a key milestone under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
From 1 January 2027, the qualifying period for ordinary unfair dismissal claims will be reduced from two years to six months.
This means employees who are employed on or before 1 July 2026 may have six months’ service when the new rules take effect.
What employers must do to avoid falling foul of the new rules:
Review contracts: Ensure probationary periods are set to no longer than five months.
Tighten up performance management: Ensure line managers identify, report and address performance and/or conduct issues before six months.
Documentation and evidence: Employees will gain the right to written reasons for their dismissal, so each review, meeting and outcome must be clearly documented.
Our thanks to Croner for the reminder.
