Approval Granted: Six-Month Qualifying Period for Unfair Dismissal

Approval Granted: Six-Month Qualifying Period for Unfair Dismissal | Tuesday 9 December 2025 | 1 min read

On Monday, 8 December 2025, the House of Commons voted on the remaining issues concerning the Employment Rights Bill (ERB). The Bill is scheduled to return to the House of Lords for consideration of the Commons’ amendments on 10 December 2025.

MPs approved the Government’s amendments to the ERB, confirming that the new six‑month qualifying period for protection against unfair dismissal will take effect with a retrospective commencement date of 1 January 2027.

The Employment Rights Bill will therefore be considered by the House of Lords tomorrow. If approved and given the rapid progression between the Commons and the Lords, it may receive Royal Assent before Parliament rises on 18 December 2025.

For guidance on preparing for the new six-month qualifying period and its impact on dismissal processes, speak to our Employment team.