Conwy Council to shorten probation periods for new workers after employment law changes

Conwy County Council is set to shorten probation periods for new council workers to prepare for employment law changes, negating the risk of unfair dismissal costs.

Cabinet members will be asked to approve a new probation period policy when they meet next week.

The changes are linked to the Employment Rights Act 2025, which comes into force on January 1, 2027.

Under current laws, staff have to work at an organisation for at least two years before they have the right to sue for unfair dismissal.

But under the new legislation, employees will be able to claim unfair dismissal after just six months of service.

On top of that, the new legislation strips away the maximum cap on successful claims, leaving organisations potentially exposed to larger financial penalties.

A report warned: “Failure to implement this policy may result in an increase in unfair dismissal claims due to the probation period not being managed effectively before the employee gains the requisite six months’ service and right to claim ordinary unfair dismissal, which would come with greatly increased costs for the organisation in defending such claims.”

The new law officially comes into effect on January 1, 2027, but because the six-month clock starts ticking immediately upon hiring, any employee brought on board after July 1, 2026 will cross the six-month threshold as soon as the law takes effect.

Because of this, councils are being forced to update their probation rules and management training to avoid getting caught out.

Trade unions and council HR staff have already been consulted on the proposals, but the report says no concerns were raised.

Cllr Hannah Fleet is the Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult Services and HR.

She said: “Ensuring that we provide a warm welcome to Conwy for all new members of staff is vitally important, as is our requirement to comply with legislation. I am therefore supportive of the changes proposed.”

The cabinet is set to meet at the council’s Coed Pella HQ in Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, August 11.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter