Research category
Employment, skills, productivity and changing work.
From 1 October 2026, most Employment Tribunal time limits will move from three to six months. The immediate challenge for employers is not to make every workplace issue legalistic, but to retain the evidence, judgement and managerial ownership needed to resolve material disputes well.
From 1 January 2027, most employees in Great Britain will qualify for ordinary unfair-dismissal protection after six months’ service. Employers need a better first-six-month process—not simply an earlier probation deadline.
A six-month paid role can break a damaging spell out of work. But the programme’s value will depend on whether delivery is designed around progression, not simply placement starts.
The entitlement can protect parents’ attachment to work, but its economic return will depend on whether suitable local provision and predictable employment fit together.
England’s supported-employment programme should be assessed not only by referrals and job starts, but by whether local systems help employers create and sustain workable roles.
