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Probation and the six-month rule
See who in probation can soon claim unfair dismissal, and the last day to decide.
From 1 January 2027, most employees in England, Scotland and Wales can claim unfair dismissal after 6 months' service, not 2 years (Employment Rights Act 2025, section 25).
More detail
In Northern Ireland it is still usually 1 year.
See who to decide about
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Step 1: On Home, Needs you shows how many people in probation can soon claim.
More detail
Press See who.
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Step 2: It opens Performance, Probation, with each person's Can claim unfair dismissal from date.
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Step 3: Decide by the Decide by date: the last day to give notice so it ends before they can claim.
Stuck?
Why is Decide by earlier than I expected?
The law adds a week of statutory notice to the leaving date (Employment Rights Act 1996, s.97(2)). If their contract gives longer notice, decide sooner still.
Does it stop me extending probation?
No. It's information, never a block: you can still extend or end a probation as before.
Is anyone protected sooner?
Yes. Some claims need no service at all, such as dismissal for pregnancy or whistleblowing.
I can't see it on Home
Only HR and account owners see it, and only when someone can claim within the next 90 days.
Thanks. That helps us make the guides better.
Not legal advice. Checked against the law on 1 November 2026; we check it again by 1 January 2027, and sooner if the law changes.