Access the guidance and resources you need to implement and understand changes to unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 2025
The Employment Rights Act 2025 will reduce the unfair dismissal qualifying period to six months. This new right will apply to any employees who have from that six months service on 1 January 2027. The unfair dismissal compensation cap will also be removed. This page brings together the resources and information you need to understand what’s changing, when it’s happening and how to apply the changes in your organisation.
Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.
Already a member? Login here.
Exclusive to CIPD members
Join this webinar to understand what’s changing and the impact of new unfair dismissal qualifying service periods as well as the removal of the compensation cap as outlined in the Employment Rights Act 2025 and get practical tips on how to best handle and manage performance issues proactively and earlier in the employment relationship
Infographic for CIPD members
Changes to the qualifying period for unfair dismissal will impact a range of processes. Log in to use these infographics to understand the key dates and implications for your practice.
Checklist for CIPD members
Changes to the qualifying period for unfair dismissal will impact a range of processes. Use this checklist to help plan how you will apply the changes in your organisation
Guidance and tools for CIPD members
Changes to the qualifying period for unfair dismissal are set to make probation periods a crucial management tool for employers. Use this guide and accompanying tools to to ensure your probation processes are not only legally compliant but also ensure the best outcomes to enable high performance from new starters.
Explore resources to help you comply with changes to unfair dismissal.
Please note, these resources outline the current legislation that governs unfair dismissal and should still be followed until any changes come into force (expected dates are outlined on the Employment Rights Act 2025 tracker). We will update the content once any changes are enforced.
Overview of current legal requirements relating to dismissal
Information on the law surrounding dismissal procedures
This online course guides you through how to facilitate or support a disciplinary, dismissal or grievance procedure
Online course on grievance, discipline and dismissalsPlease note: While every care has been taken in compiling this content, CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.
Use the tracker to keep up to date with latest timeline and developments
Explore our collection of resources on fair and unfair dismissal and laws around wrongful dismissal. This resource includes common questions and answers plus relevant case law
Keep up to date with what is changing under the Employment Rights Act 2025, the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill and the plan to Make Work Pay
Practical advice and tools for HR practitioners on setting up effective probation processes and supporting managers and new starters
Information for managers on what happens when the decision is made to dismiss a member of their team and how to avoid mistakes
Explore our collection of resources on fair and unfair dismissal and laws around wrongful dismissal. This resource includes common questions and answers plus relevant case law
Keep up to date with what is changing under the Employment Rights Act 2025, the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill and the plan to Make Work Pay
Access the essential HR resources you need to help you understand the impact and plan your response to the changes to tipping
Understand the impact the changes to public sector outsourcing will have on your TUPE processes