Acton Jennings

09/04/2026

WHY 1st JUNE 2026 IS A KEY DATE FOR EMPLOYERS

It is the case that many employers are unprepared for the 2027 changes to employee rights. While most are aware of the change to the unfair dismissal qualifying period from 2 years to 6 months on 01 01 2027, many are unaware that the change hides a potential trap that the unwary might fall into . That is why 01 June 2026 is important.

Any employee with service on the 1st January 2027 which began on or after 1st June 2026 will have the necessary service qualification to claim unfair dismissal. That is the 6-month qualifying period will already have been served. They have unfair dismissal rights immediately on 1st January 2027.

Remember: October 2026 changes will double the time limit for an ex-employee to bring a claim to employment tribunal for unfair dismissal and other matters from 3 months to 6 months. Make sure robust procedures and processes are put in place following any dismissal.

The other major change be brought in by the Employment Rights Act 2025 is the removal of the cap on the unfair dismissal award. It will be an unlimited amount like awards in discrimination cases.

There is less time to prepare than many might think. If you feel you need help preparing for these changes please contact Acton Jennings LLP via our website www.actonjennings.com

Supporting employers for over 30 years

03/04/2026

Happy Easter to all our clients, but please note the office is closed until Tuesday 7th April. 🐣🐣🐣

02/04/2026

12/03/2026

Congratulations to Hundhill Hall Ladies team on finishing third in the league in their maiden season! 🏏

03/03/2026

26/02/2026

🗞️ From April 2026, employees will be eligible for paternity leave from the first day of employment. Currently employees must have worked for their employer for 26 weeks before they are eligible.

There are transitional arrangements in place from 18th February 2026, when a temporary reduced notice period was introduced. Fathers and birth partners can give 28 days’ notice, instead of 15 weeks notice of their intention to take paternity leave. The arrangement applies to parents who will become newly eligible because of the law change. It allows parents to take paternity leave from the first day of the new law.

The temporary 28-day notice period applies if:
• The employee will become eligible for paternity leave on the 6th of April 2026 because of the change in the law.
• The expected due date is between the 5th April and the 25th July 2026.

If the due date is the 26th of July or later, the usual 15 weeks notice period will apply.

Parents who are eligible for paternity leave before the 6th April 2026 must give the usual 15 weeks’ notice.

02/10/2025

The girls ready for battle against Birstall 👊🏼

Kitted out by Maiden Cricket sponsored by Acton Jennings

30/09/2025

🏆 👏🏼

This Saturday! 🙌🏼 🍻 🍕 🏆

30/09/2025

Good luck on your first match! 🏏 🦋

One season ends, another begins! Good luck to our women’s team in their first indoor league match this weekend 🏏 🦋

09/09/2025

21/08/2025

✴️ Raising awareness of occupational road risk… WHY EMPLOYERS MUST ACT NOW.