The qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims will increase from one year to two years from the 6th April 2012.

Employees whose employment started before the 6th April 2012 will remain subject to the one-year qualifying period. Therefore someone who starts work on the 1st April 2012 will only need to accrue one years employment service before qualifying for the right to pursue a claim for unfair dismissal.

Those employed on or after the 6th April 2012 will not qualify for unfair dismissal rights until they have been employed for two years.

The regulations regarding the change are expected to be published shortly.

If you are unsure if you or any of your employees would qualify for unfair dismissal rights please do not hesitate to contact our employment law specialist, Alison Colley on 023 80649448.