The Government has announced that the qualifying period for the right to claim unfair dismissal will be extended from one to two years on 6 April 2012.
It says that the new qualifying period should see the number of unfair dismissal claims drop by around 2,000 per year. The Government also proposes to introduce an upfront fee for claimants to lodge a claim in the Tribunal and a further £1,000 when a hearing is listed.
Commenting on the news, Tony Hyams-Parish, Head of Employment at Rawlison Butler LLP, said “It remains to be seen whether, in reality, the ‘two year rule’ will reduce the number of unfair dismissal claims. Most unfair dismissal claims these days include some form of discrimination claim and they need no length of service. As regards fees, if they deter claimants from bringing hopeless claims, that will come as a welcome relief to employers”
For more information on this or any other similar issue, please contact Tony Hyams-Parish by emailing Tony or by calling him on 08450 990045, or speak to your usual contact in the Employment Team.
This document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this document.
