‘Day-One’ Rights for Unfair Dismissal Moves to ‘6-Months’
The Government has revised its plan to introduce ‘Day-One’ unfair dismissal rights, settling instead on a six-month qualifying period after constructive talks with unions and business groups. The new approach is intended to strengthen worker protection while remaining practical for employers and aligning with typical probation periods.
This agreement clears the way for the Employment Rights Bill to move forward, keeping key reforms on track for April 2026 including day-one sick pay, day-one paternity leave, and the launch of the Fair Work Agency.
Business organisations welcomed the compromise as clear and workable, while unions emphasised the importance of getting the reforms onto the statute book without delay. Some details such as rules on guaranteed hours and protections for seasonal workers will be addressed through further consultation and secondary legislation.
Overall, the six-month rule aims to deliver stronger, more consistent employment protections without creating significant hiring risks for employers.
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