Six-month unfair dismissal right to begin from 2027

"The government will commit to bringing in enhanced protections against unfair dismissal from the start of 2027, after watering down its plans last week. Labour ministers agreed to introduce the right to make a claim after six months in a job instead of on day one, after a backlash from business groups. This new qualifying period would still be shorter than the current two years."

"At the time of last week's climbdown, the business department did not specify when the amended six-month right would come into force. However, ministers are now expected to make a commitment to implement the new protection from 1 January 2027, when the legislation to deliver the change returns to the House of Commons on Monday. Such assurances, made from the dispatch box, are not legally binding but are seen as carrying additional political weight by MPs and peers."

"The move, which was first reported by The Guardian, followed talks this week between ministers and former deputy PM Angela Rayner and ex-employment minister Justin Madders, two key architects of the original proposals. Following the talks, Rayner agreed to withdraw an amendment she had planned to table, which would have made the start date 2026. Writing on social media, Rayner appeared to welcome the government's decision, saying a January 2027 start date would introduce protection for those hired after July 2026, bringing "real change for workers"."

The government has committed to implementing enhanced protections against unfair dismissal from 1 January 2027 after scaling back earlier proposals. Labour ministers will introduce a right to bring an unfair dismissal claim after six months in a job rather than from day one, shortening the current two‑year qualifying period. Ministers are expected to confirm the start date when legislation returns to the House of Commons, and the commitment carries political weight despite lacking legal force. Talks with Angela Rayner and Justin Madders led to withdrawal of an amendment for a 2026 start; Rayner said a January 2027 date protects hires after July 2026. Currently, workers gain ordinary unfair dismissal protections after two continuous years.

Read at www.bbc.com