On 6 April 2012 a number of employment law changes will take effect, which include:
- The qualifying period of employment service for the right to claim unfair dismissal will rise from 1 year to 2 years, although employees already employed by universities prior to 6 April 2012 will not be affected by this change.
- Instead of the more usual panel of three members, Employment Judges will now normally sit alone when hearing unfair dismissal claims.
- Various changes to the Employment Tribunals' rules are being implemented, including an increase to the limits for costs and deposit orders (to £20,000 and £1,000 respectively) and removing the right of witnesses to claim expenses from Government funds.