The question is how long probation periods should be for new starters in light of plans for new day 1 unfair dismissal regulations.

Firstly, it is important to note that the law on this hasn’t changed yet.

The government is proposing that all employees are given protection from unfair dismissal from their first day of employment, however they have not released any further details as to how this will work in practice. 

Currently, employees can be dismissed within a two-year window before they can claim ‘unfair dismissal’, with the exception of employees who possess a protected characteristic.

Protected employees should always be managed more cautiously.