Impact of Changes to Unfair Dismissal Rights

Changes to unfair dismissal rights are set to reshape how organisations approach hiring, onboarding, performance management, and fixed-term employment.

In this session, we will explore the practical implications of these changes and how employers can proactively prepare their people, processes, and policies to remain compliant while continuing to build high-performing teams. The discussion will focus on strengthening decision making across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment through to probation and performance management, while also considering alternative workforce strategies that organisations may wish to adopt.

What We’ll Cover

Recruitment, Pre-boarding & Workforce Strategy Led by Hannah Weeden

• Strengthening recruitment processes to mitigate unfair dismissal risk
• Effective pre-boarding approaches for candidates on long notice periods
• Strategic use of interim and temporary-to-permanent solutions
• Building flexibility into hiring models while maintaining compliance

Onboarding, Probation & Performance Management Led by Ros Hammond

• Structuring robust onboarding and probation frameworks
• Managing performance fairly and consistently from day one
• Best practice in managing fixed-term contracts
• Practical alternatives and organisational options to reduce risk

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Understand the practical impact of changes to unfair dismissal rights
• Gain clear, actionable steps to strengthen recruitment and onboarding processes
• Learn how to manage probation, performance, and fixed-term contracts confidently
• Explore alternative workforce strategies to support organisational resilience
• Leave with practical insights to brief senior stakeholders and line managers