Unfair Dismissal – Qualifying Period

Following the “Resolving Workplace Disputes” public consultation in January 2011, the Government has stated that, from 6 April 2012, the qualifying period of service for an employee to claim unfair dismissal will increase from one to two years. The UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is currently discussing the transitional provisions that will need to be put in place in relation to employees who will have been employed for more than one year but less than two years.

There is no qualifying period of service for unfair dismissal claims alleging whistleblowing or for claims of unlawful discrimination.