Our new HR consultants have developed a suite of probation review documents in light of the recent changes to employment law. Under the new legislation, employees will be able to bring an ordinary unfair dismissal claim after six months’ service, rather than having to complete two years’ service. These changes will apply from 1 January 2027, meaning that any employee who has accrued six months’ continuous service by that date will be eligible to bring a claim. In practical terms, this means that employees you recruit from now onwards on a six-month probationary period could fall within the new qualifying period once the changes come into effect.
This means it is increasingly important for councils to actively manage probationary periods and carry out regular, meaningful reviews. Any concerns regarding an employee’s performance, conduct, attendance or suitability for the role should be identified and addressed promptly, allowing sufficient time for improvement and for an informed decision to be made before the probationary period ends.
The documents are available to member councils in the Knowledgebase (go to Employment> Recruitment Pack> OALC Recruitment Pack). They are intended to guide you through this process and help ensure that new employees are evaluated thoroughly and consistently throughout their probation.
Should you have any questions or require assistance with a particular probationary matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch with OALC.