Great Britain: government plans to extend the period after which SMEs employees can lodge unfair dismissal claims

Minimum two years in the job.  David Cameron told small businesses he would cut bureaucracy and red tape.  Within the framework of a reflection on the removal of obstacles preventing SMEs from growing, Lord Young, former Secretary of State for Trade under the Thatcher administration, who recently published a report deregulating health and safety, is working on unfair dismissal.  Currently, employees have to work for their employer for 12 months to be able to lodge an unfair dismissal claim. Young wants to increase this to 24 months, to cut down on “spurious claims from former members of staff who have a grudge against their employer.”  “I want to find out what small business people themselves think about this” Young told the BBC.  If a 12-week consultation is launched soon and this amendment added to the law, it could be enforced as early as April 2011, experts say.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

ainst their employer.” “I want to find out what small business people themselves think about this” Young told the BBC.

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
United States: New York State employers required to notify employees of negative information concerning them
The news. Since 8 November 2026, employers in New York State have been subject to new obligations regarding employees’ access to their personal data. They must notify employees when they...
13 November 2026
Germany: Mercedes freezes investments and puts pressure on IG Metall
The news. On 12 November 2026, Mercedes-Benz announced a halt, temporary for the time being, to all new investment at its German sites. In an interview published on the group’s intranet...
Mexico: Senate examines legislation on the right to disconnect
The news. In Mexico, the Senate is examining legislation enshrining the right to disconnect. The text, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 3 March 2026 and subsequently passed unanimously by...
12 November 2026
Switzerland: Could the referendum on funding a 13th monthly pension payment mark the start of a major pension reform?
On 29 November, Swiss citizens will vote in a referendum on how to finance the 13th monthly payment for pensioners (13th OASI pension), a benefit approved in 2024 that will be paid out from...
12 November 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
British bank Barclays cuts 5,000 jobs to invest in AI
Banking group Barclays has announced the cutting of 5% of its global workforce by the end of the year. Beyond disappointing quarterly results, Barclays primarily intends to free up the funds...
2
Germany: non-EU recruitment remains marginal despite skilled immigration reform
The news. Nearly a year and a half after the entry into force of the “Skilled Immigration Development Act”, only 4% of businesses have recruited at least one employee directly from a...
3
EU: several social texts promised for 2027
The news. On 4 November, the European Commission presented its work programme for 2027. While the focus is once again on simplification, several social texts have been announced. The European...
4
EU: Commission presents strategy for vocational training
The news. On 5 November, the European Commission published its 2026-2030 strategy for vocational education and training. The text comes six years after a dedicated Council recommendation, but...
5
Germany: Mercedes freezes investments and puts pressure on IG Metall
The news. On 12 November 2026, Mercedes-Benz announced a halt, temporary for the time being, to all new investment at its German sites. In an interview published on the group’s intranet...