On 6th April a simple but highly controversial change in unfair dismissal law came into force. From this date, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal went up from one year to two years, meaning that until an employee has completed a continuous period of two years in their employment they will not be able to bring a case of unfair dismissal.
However, it is important also to note that this only applies to employees whose contracts commenced on or after 6 April 2012. Anyone employed before that date will qualify for unfair dismissal after a single year of continuous service.
Please update your disciplinary and grievance procedures to reflect these changes.