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- Type:
- Legal timetable
Updated to confirm that the reduction in the unfair dismissal qualifying period applies to dismissals where the effective date of termination is on or after 1 January 2027. This gives HR extra clarity on exactly when their employer faces increased risks if it gets a dismissal wrong.
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- Date:
- 15 May 2026
- Type:
- Podcasts and webinars
Employment law expert Darren Newman breaks down one of the most significant reforms contained in the Employment Rights Act 2025: the reduction in the qualifying period for protection from unfair dismissal from two years to six months. This is a change HR can't afford to ignore.
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- Date:
- 4 May 2026
- Type:
- News
UK employer bodies have written to the government calling for tripartite discussions with ministers and unions on the implementation of trade union access rights in the Employment Rights Act 2025.
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- Type:
- Quick reference
Updated to reflect an increase in unfair dismissal compensation limits, effective from 6 April 2026.
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- Type:
- FAQs
The maximum amount of a week's pay for calculating the basic unfair dismissal award is increased for dismissals on or after 6 April 2026.
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- Type:
- FAQs
The maximum amount for a compensatory award is increased for claims about dismissals on or after 6 April 2026.
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- Type:
- Employment law guide
The recent case of Chand v EE Limited addressed the fairness of conduct dismissals, making clear that tribunals must look at the actual reason relied on by the decision-maker, not reasons that could have been argued based on the evidence. HR should ensure that all allegations forming the basis of a dismissal are supported by reasonable grounds.
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- Date:
- 26 February 2026
- Type:
- Podcasts and webinars
The Employment Rights Act 2025 marks a major shift in unfair dismissal law. From January 2027, the qualifying period will drop from two years to six months - applying retrospectively to employees hired from July 2026 - and the cap on compensatory awards will be removed altogether. Stephen Simpson, principal editor at Brightmine, joins the podcast to break down the changes and share practical steps HR should be taking now to prepare.
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- Type:
- Employment law guide
Updated with a reference to Pal v Accenture, which confirmed how employee capability should be assessed.
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- Type:
- Employment law guide
Updated with a reference to Pal v Accenture, which explored the difference between “capability” and “some other substantial reason” dismissals.
