Probations Under the New ERA 2025: Why You Should be Managing Risk Right Now

​Got a policy puzzle or a tricky people situation you’re scratching your head over? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to go it alone, either.

This month’s theme?
Probations Under the New ERA 2025: Why You Should be Managing Risk Right Now

​The Employment Rights Act (ERA) 2025 has significantly changed the risk landscape around probation periods. With the qualifying period for unfair dismissal changing to 6 months from 1st January 2027, how employers hire, onboard and manage probation periods will matter more than ever.

​Although the new unfair dismissal rules won’t take effect until January 2027, their retrospective nature means employers need to think about them now. Employees hired between 2nd January and 1st July 2026 will gain unfair dismissal rights from 1st January 2027, when the legislation comes into force.

​In this practical HR clinic, we’ll explore what the upcoming changes mean for employers and how to reduce risk now. We’ll cover:

• ​What the ERA changes mean for probation periods in practice

• ​Why decisions made today are very relevant
  Common probation pitfalls that could expose employers to risk

• ​Practical ways to structure probation management, documentation and decision-making

• ​What HR and managers should start doing differently now

​This session is designed to be practical, with space to bring questions or real scenarios you’re navigating.

​Whether you're reviewing policies, supporting managers, or thinking about how probation works in your organisation, this clinic will help you future proof your approach before it's too late.

​How it works:

• ​Submit your questions ahead of time to [email protected].

• ​Join live for candid, helpful HR advice (no jargon or fluff)

• ​Walk away with practical insights you can use right away

​We'll see you there!