Employment Rights Act 2025 · Readiness Check

The 6-month rule lands on 1 january 2027. Ready?

From 1 January 2027, unfair dismissal protection begins at 6 months’ service — and compensation is uncapped. Anyone you hired from July 2026 already qualifies on day one of the new regime.

Five questions. Two minutes. Then the free reform-ready pack — the timeline, the policy, and the manager guide.

1How long is your standard probation period?

2If someone failed probation, could you show the reviews that led to that decision — in writing?

3Does every dismissal in your business follow the same written process — investigation, hearing, decision letter, appeal?

4Has your business ever moved someone on before their 2 years were up to avoid an unfair dismissal claim?

5When performance dips after probation, is your improvement process built around the role — or the calendar?