The period for qualification to bring a claim for unfair dismissal in the Employment Tribunal is currently one year of continuous service. However, in October 2011 the Government announced that the qualifying unfair dismissal protection would increase to 2 years from 6th April 2012.
The announcement didn't state how it would affect existing employees with over one year but under two years service, who would have already qualified for unfair dismissal rights under the current rules.
To date there hasn't been an additional announcement, but it is believed that the new two year qualifying period will only apply to employees whose employment begins on or after 6 April 2012. Therefore, individuals employed before 6 April 2012 will retain unfair dismissal protection as long as they satisfy the current one year qualifying period.
If you want to discuss how these changes could affect your business and the options available to you contact
01925 758702
mail@haytonconsultancy.co.uk or visit www.haytonconsultancy.co.uk