Unfair dismissal is one of the most important protections in UK employment law. It exists to ensure that employees are not dismissed without a fair reason or without being treated reasonably by their employer. For many years, employees needed two years of continuous service before they could bring a claim for ordinary unfair dismissal. That position is now changing. The UK Government has confirmed that the qualifying period will reduce from two years to six months, with the change taking effect on 1 January 2027.
This course provides all the details you need to know to ensure you are ready for the change that will affect all existing and new employees, whether on fixed-term contracts or not.
By the end of this course you will have learned about:
- The five categories of reasons for dismissal
- Fair process
- How the change is immediate and affects all contracts including fixed-term
- Required changes to probation periods, performance management and documentation