Does the six-month rule apply to me if I am dismissed before 1 January 2027

No. The current two-year qualifying period still applies to any dismissal with an effective date of termination before 1 January 2027. The six-month rule and the removal of the compensation cap only apply to dismissals that take effect on or after that date.

Can my employer still dismiss me for any reason if I have less than six months' service now

Under the current law, yes, in most cases, unless the reason falls into one of the protected categories that apply from day one, such as discrimination or whistleblowing. Once you reach two years of continuous service under the current rule, or six months once the new rule commences, ordinary unfair dismissal protection applies as well.

Will the compensation cap definitely be gone by the time my case is heard

The cap is being removed for dismissals with an effective date of termination on or after 1 January 2027, under the Employment Rights Act 2025 commencement regulations. If your dismissal took effect before that date, the cap that was in force at the time, £123,543 according to current gov.uk guidance, will still apply.

Does notice I was not allowed to work still count towards my length of service

Yes. Statutory notice periods count towards continuous employment for the purpose of the qualifying period, whether or not your employer actually let you work your notice. For most employees with one month to two years of service, the statutory minimum notice is one week, and this can be enough to tip someone over a threshold.

Does this change apply if I work in Northern Ireland

No. Employment law on unfair dismissal is devolved in Northern Ireland, so the changes made by the Employment Rights Act 2025 to the qualifying period and the compensation cap apply only in England, Scotland and Wales.

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Unfair dismissal protection changes in 2027 if you're under two years in a job

From 1 January 2027 the qualifying period for unfair dismissal drops from two years to six months, and the compensation cap is removed. H…