Free event
Preparing for Unfair Dismissal Reform | How to avoid costly claims
Dismissal has never been risk-free, but from mid-2026, employers will have far less room for error.
From 1 January 2027, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal will shrink from two years to just six months. However, in practice, employees will gain protection far sooner than many expect.
New hires who start from 1 July 2026 will reach six months’ service by the time the law changes, meaning decisions from that point onwards will need to stand up to scrutiny. Relying on probation periods, 'easy exits', or informal approaches will no longer be enough – without a fair reason and a fair process, claims are far more likely to follow.
Don’t get caught out. Join us at our free in-person event in Durham to make sure your probation processes are strong, compliant, and ready before the law changes.
When it comes to employee dismissals, are you relying too heavily on probation to manage risk? Do your managers understand what a ‘fair process’ actually requires? And could you justify a dismissal under increased scrutiny in 2026/27?
With significant reforms just over six months away – and their practical impact starting now – understanding how to handle employee dismissals correctly has never been more important.
Join our Senior Employment Law Advisor, Patrick Carroll-Fog, for this free in-person 2 hour session, designed to help you handle dismissals confidently so you can avoid costly mistakes as the law evolves.
What's on the agenda
Recap of what’s changing: Get a brief overview of the upcoming reforms and what they mean for dismissal risk from 2026 onwards.
Getting probation right: Understand why probation periods are more than an ‘early exit’ opportunity, how to use them effectively, and how they may need to evolve in light of new unfair dismissal rules.
Five fair reasons to dismiss – and how: Learn why it’s critical to define the reason for dismissal clearly – beyond just conduct and capability. Plus, understand the correct process to follow in each case, with practical examples.
Where employers get caught out: Discover common pitfalls and hidden risks, including day one claims such as discrimination and whistleblowing, and procedural missteps that can leave your business exposed.
Remember, dismissal isn’t just about misconduct. If you’re dismissing staff for any reason – whether it’s behaviour, performance, redundancy or something else – various protections and principles apply.
Got a question?
Whether you’re dealing with an issue now or just planning ahead, we’ll close the session with a Q&A, giving you the opportunity to put your questions to our experts and get clear, practical advice.
FAQs
By attending this event, delegates will:
Learn how to future-proof your approach to dismissal ahead of the 2027 changes
Gain actionable advice on how to reduce the likelihood of costly Tribunal claims by handling dismissals correctly
Gain practical advice on how to handle complex situations with a clear and consistent approach
Gain actionable advice on how to save time and management resource by getting the process right first time
This practical briefing is suitable for business owners, MDs and senior decision makers within any UK–based organisation, keen to learn how to navigate the change to unfair dismissal. This is your opportunity to ask our legal experts any pertinent questions you may have about how to protect your business.
No, this is a free, informal event. Refreshments are included.
By attending this event, delegates will:
Learn how to future-proof your approach to dismissal ahead of the 2027 changes
Gain actionable advice on how to reduce the likelihood of costly Tribunal claims by handling dismissals correctly
Gain practical advice on how to handle complex situations with a clear and consistent approach
Gain actionable advice on how to save time and management resource by getting the process right first time
No, this is a free, informal event. Refreshments are included.
This practical briefing is suitable for business owners, MDs and senior decision makers within any UK–based organisation, keen to learn how to navigate the change to unfair dismissal. This is your opportunity to ask our legal experts any pertinent questions you may have about how to protect your business.
Employment Rights Act | understanding employers legal obligations
Employment Rights Act | understanding employers legal obligations
Employment Rights Act | understanding employers legal obligations
Major changes to UK employment law are coming – will your business be ready?
Most businesses don’t fully understand the key employment law reforms set to be introduced from April. To keep you informed we are running a series of free in-person events – spaces are limited so book yours now.
The advice and guidance received has been outstanding, and has enabled our organisation to resolve a number of challenging situations efficiently with clarity and confidence. As a consequence we have continued to retain the services of WorkNest years and would not hesitate to recommend them to other organisations seeking exemplary external HR support.
”The advice and guidance received has been outstanding, and has enabled our organisation to resolve a number of challenging situations efficiently with clarity and confidence. As a consequence we have continued to retain the services of WorkNest years and would not hesitate to recommend them to other organisations seeking exemplary external HR support.
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