Increase in unfair dismissal qualifying period for new joiners only

As previously noted, the qualifying period required by employees to entitle them to bring a claim for unfair dismissal, will increase on 6th April 2012 from one year to two years.

It has now been publicised that, subject to parliamentary approval, the increase from one year to two years will only apply to employees who commence new employment on or after 6th April 2012. All employees already in employment before 6th April 2012 will retain their entitlement to bring a claim for unfair dismissal after only one year of continuous employment.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills estimate that the changes to the unfair dismissal rules due to come into force this year could save British businesses nearly £6million a year.