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- Date:
- 24 July 2026
- Type:
- Survey analysis
Many organisations report that poor performance is acted on too late, after performance issues have persisted and become more challenging to resolve. Our latest research explores how organisations manage poor performance, the outcomes of performance management processes, as well as exploring how HR are preparing for the impact of upcoming changes to the unfair dismissal qualifying period.
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- Date:
- 17 July 2026
- Type:
- Podcasts and webinars
In this webinar on 12 August at 11am, we focus on the changes HR needs to act on now. We bring together insights from three leading experts to revisit the most important developments and their practical implications for employers.
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- Type:
- FAQs
The qualifying period for unfair dismissal decreases from two years to six months for dismissals with an effective date of termination on or after 1 January 2027. An employee will gain unfair dismissal rights after six months even if they have been absent ...
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- Type:
- Training
This training guide has been updated to reflect the impact of the reduction in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal to six months from 1 January 2027 under the Employment Rights Act 2025. This places an even greater importance on the role of line managers in structuring and managing probationary periods effectively.
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- Type:
- How to
The Employment Rights Act 2025 reduces the qualifying period for unfair dismissal to six months from 1 January 2027. Employers should consider the impact this will have on probationary periods and whether they need to implement any changes in time for the new rules. This guide has been updated to include guidance for employers on preparing for the reduced unfair dismissal qualifying period.
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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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- Type:
- How to
Various changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 took effect on 6 April 2026. HR should begin planning for further reforms due to be introduced later in 2026.
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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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- Date:
- 13 February 2026
- Type:
- Commentary and insights
Updated to detail the number of employment law reforms in the 289 pages of the Employment Rights Act.
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- Date:
- 14 October 2025
- Type:
- Commentary and insights
With the Employment Rights Act 2025 set to reduce the qualifying period for protection against unfair dismissal to six months, probationary practices are going to come under increasing scrutiny. Our research shows that probation fails less often from weak policies and more from managers lacking the support and training to apply one effectively - a weakness organisations are reluctant to address.
