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.