The Unfair Dismissal and Statement of Reasons for Dismissal (Variation of Qualifying Period) Order 2012
Accordingly, the Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 209(1)(c) and (5) and 236(5) of the Employment Rights Act 1996, makes the following Order:
Citation and commencement1.
This Order may be cited as the Unfair Dismissal and Statement of Reasons for Dismissal (Variation of Qualifying Period) Order 2012 and comes into force on 6th April 2012.
Qualifying period for right to written statement of reasons for dismissal2.
Qualifying period for right to claim unfair dismissal3.
Transitional provision4.
Revocation5.
This Order increases from one year to two years the qualifying period of continuous employment needed:
for the entitlement, on request, to a written statement of reasons for dismissal (article 2), and
to acquire the right not to be unfairly dismissed (article 3).
The Order contains a transitional provision having the effect that the new qualifying periods will not apply to those employees whose period of continuous employment begins before 6th April 2012.
A full regulatory impact assessment is available and a copy can be obtained from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Labour Market Directorate, 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0ET. Copies have also been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament.