Court ruling Employment 22 July 2026 3 min read

Employment Appeal Tribunal clarifies notice rights during a probationary period

Employment Appeal Tribunal sets out when a probationary-period dismissal must follow the full statutory minimum notice procedure and when a shorter contractual period applies.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled in July 2026 that where an employment contract specifies a trial or probationary period shorter than the statutory minimum notice period, the employer must still give the longer statutory minimum if the employee has completed one month of service. The contractual trial period clause is valid for other purposes but cannot reduce the statutory minimum notice entitlement.

Area Employment

Type Court ruling

Published 22 July 2026

Status In force / published

What this means in practice

This court ruling affects Employment matters in England & Wales. It is now published and applies. If this area of law is relevant to your situation, review any contracts, notices or deadlines that may be affected.

Read the official text

legislation.gov.uk Parliament.uk — Bills BAILII — Judgments GOV.UK UK Supreme Court EUR-Lex

Primary source

Employment Rights Act 1996 — legislation.gov.uk

This item summarises a legal development for general information only. It is not legal advice. Always check the official text and, for your own situation, consult a qualified lawyer.

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