Change to qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims
Posted by Joanna Worby on 16th February 2012
The change to the qualifying period for unfair dismissal was announced in the autumn of 2011, as part of the government’s wide-ranging initiative to improve business confidence and boost economic growth.
The government has published the draft Unfair Dismissal and Statement of Reasons for Dismissal (Variation of Qualifying Period) Order 2012 which will come into force on 6 April 2012, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In summary for all employees employed on or after 6th April 2012, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal (and requests for a statement of reasons for dismissal) increases from 1 year to 2 years. The changes will not affect those employees whose period of continuous employment begins before 6 April 2012 so remember to stay aware of this.
