RSM UK urges employers to update contracts ahead of new dismissal rules
Key takeaways
- RSM UK urges employers to update contracts ahead of new dismissal rules RSM UK’s latest Workforce survey found that the shorter qualifying period is already making many employers rethink hiring.
- The warning comes after RSM UK’s latest Workforce survey showed that the rules may lead to an increase in unemployment as many employers are reassessing their hiring plans.
- According to the research, 44% of employers expect to adopt a more cautious stance due to the reduced qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims, down from two years to six months.
RSM UK urges employers to update contracts ahead of new dismissal rules RSM UK’s latest Workforce survey found that the shorter qualifying period is already making many employers rethink hiring. Credit: BJP7images/Shutterstock.com. · International Accounting Bulletin · BJP7images/Shutterstock.com. Ellichipuram Umesh Tue, June 23, 2026 at 5:55 PM GMT+7 2 min read RSM UK is calling on organisations to update employment contracts and train line managers ahead of new unfair dismissal protections due to take effect on 1 January 2027.
The company said that the change will apply to anyone with six months’ service or more from that date, meaning staff hired from 1 July 2026 onwards could qualify to bring an unfair dismissal claim after six months in the role.
The warning comes after RSM UK’s latest Workforce survey showed that the rules may lead to an increase in unemployment as many employers are reassessing their hiring plans.