Changes to unfair dismissal rules which could save nearly £6 million a year for British business have been announced today by the Government.

The Government has announced that the qualifying period for the right to claim unfair dismissal will be extended from one to two years on 7 April 2012.

Changes to the unfair dismissal rules follow the ‘Resolving Workplace Disputes’ consultation published in January this year which also proposed measures to encourage early resolution of disputes, the speeding up of the tribunal process and measures to tackle weak and vexatious claims.

These combined proposals should see the number of unfair dismissal claims drop by around 2000 a year. Other proposals set out in consultation include introducing a fee for lodging tribunal claims from April 2013.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Businesses tell us that unfair dismissal rules are a major barrier to taking on more people. So today we have announced that only after working for the same employer for two years can an employee bring an unfair dismissal claim.”

For further information please contact either Nigel Tillott, Gareth Price or Rebecca Byczok at Davies and Partners Solicitors on telephone number 01452 612345.