When does the 6-month unfair dismissal right start?

The six-month unfair dismissal right officially takes effect on 1 January 2027.

While the initial legislation was passed earlier, the formal transition date is locked in for the start of 2027. From this date forward, employees who cross the six-month service mark gain ordinary unfair dismissal protections. Our advice to members at the Workers of England Union is to keep meticulous, independent written records of all probation reviews, as employers will still be permitted to utilize a "light touch" statutory framework during initial probationary periods.