Unfair dismissal protection to be reduced to six months: How businesses should prepare

Unfair dismissal qualifying period reduced to six months

From 1 January 2027, any employee who already has six months’ service will immediately gain protection. This is a dramatic shift, and it gives employers a much smaller window to address conduct, performance, and sickness absence concerns. It will also become considerably more difficult to amend standard terms and conditions once these protections kick in.

This makes now the ideal moment to review, update, and strengthen your employment contracts and HR policies.

What the new six-month protection means for employers

With the qualifying period reducing to six months, businesses will need to be far more proactive in managing:

• Conduct issues
• Capability concerns (including performance and sickness absence)
• Contractual terms and conditions

Once employees gain earlier protection, making changes becomes more complex and carries greater legal risk. Preparing ahead of time ensures your documentation is aligned, compliant, and supportive of your operational needs.

How to prepare your business before the new rules apply

Before these new protections take effect, employers can prepare by carrying out the following:

• Align employee terms and conditions
• Update outdated clauses
• Strengthen internal processes
• Ensure contracts and policies reflect current legislation and best practice

Getting ahead of the changes will save time, reduce risk, and create clarity across your workforce.

Free employment contract & policy health check

To support businesses through this transition, our Employment expert, Kate Brooks, is offering a free, no obligation review of your HR documentation. This review includes:

• Employment contracts (all levels)
• Staff handbooks and key policies
• Probation clauses and review processes
• Disciplinary, performance, and sickness absence procedures
• Antiharassment and bullying policies
• Flexible working, hybrid, and modern working policies

You will receive a clear, practical checklist highlighting:

• Potential risks
• Outdated or noncompliant clauses
• Recommended improvements tailored to your business

Why you should review now

• The six-month qualifying period becomes effective for most employees with six months’ service on 1 January 2027.
• Making changes before the new protections apply significantly reduces legal risk.
• Early action ensures consistency and clarity across your contracts and policies.

Get in touch with our Employment experts

If you want clarity, confidence, and peace of mind before the new rules take effect, now is the perfect moment to act. Get in touch with Kate Brooks and our Employment experts today on 01202 525333 or complete our Make an Enquiry form.