Timescales for written reasons for dismissal also extended

As the Government has just published it's draft regulations extending the qualifying period for an unfair dismissal claim from one year to two it is worth mentioning another change which some may have overlooked.

At the same time as extending the qualifying period, the length of time an employee has to serve before they are entitled to a written statement giving the reason for their dismissal has been similarly increased, from one year to two.

As now, this written statement must be given by employers if it is requested by the dismissed employee.

The changes, which come in to force on the 6th April this year are not retrospective, meaning that they will only apply to employees who start work with their employer on or after 6th April 2012.  All employees who joined before that date will remain to be governed by the one-year rule.

It is worth remembering that the following employees are also entitled to a written statement should they request one:

• employees who are employed under a fixed-term contract which has expired and is not to be renewed 
• employees who are dismissed while pregnant or on maternity or adoption leave