A range of employment law reforms come in to force in April 2012, including an extension of the qualifying period for unfair dismissal.
The qualifying period for unfair dismissal increased from one to two years on 6th April 2012. The new qualifying period only applies to those employees whose employment commenced on or after 6th April 2012. All employees whose employment commenced before 6th April 2012 will continue to be able to bring a claim for unfair dismissal after one year’s continuous employment.
On 1st April 2012, Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay increased from £128.73 to £135.45 per week and Statutory Sick Pay increased from £81.60 to £85.85 per week.