Government drops Day 1 Unfair Dismissal Rights

The government has U-turned on its manifesto to offer all workers the right to claim unfair dismissal from their first day in a job.

Ministers now plan to introduce the right after six months instead, following concerns from business groups.

The government argued it was making the climbdown to stop its employment legislation being delayed in the House of Lords, where it has run into opposition.

Currently, employees need to have been in a role for a minimum of two years before they are entitled to protection from unfair dismissal.

The proposed six-month qualifying period would offer employers far more flexibility than day-one rights, but still shorten the current two-year window, so it’s important to proactively review onboarding processes, employee handbooks, probation documentation, and dismissal and grievance policies to manage the increased early-stage risk if the Bill passes.

Other new day-one rights to sick pay and paternity leave will still go ahead, coming into effect in April 2026.

Source: BBC News

If you would like support reviewing probation processes and dismissal policies, please contact our team on 01342 347063 or email hello@starfordlegalhr.com