Fire and rehire protections expected in January 2027

Last checked 17 Oct 2026. Dates can change. Great Britain only.

GOV.UK's timeline lists fire and rehire protections for January 2027. It gives the month but no day, and we have not found commencement regulations that set one.

What we know and what we do not

• Confirmed: GOV.UK lists the protections for January 2027, subject to the caveat that all future dates remain subject to parliamentary processes and may change.
• Not yet checked: the exact scope of the protections and any exceptions. We will add the scope and any exceptions once the commencement regulations are published.

Who it affects

Any employer that is considering changing pay, hours, shift patterns or other contract terms, and might dismiss and re-engage people who do not agree.

A checklist to help you prepare

• List any contract changes you are considering over the next twelve months, such as pay, hours, location or benefits.
• Note which staff each change would affect and how you would talk to them.
• Write down the business reason for each change, with dates, so you have a record from the time.
• Think about timing. If a change would only be pushed through by dismissal, find out how the January 2027 rules apply before you start.
• Diary a check of GOV.UK for the commencement date.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Take advice from a qualified adviser before changing contract terms for a group of staff.

More on employment rights

• April 2026 changes (6 April 2026)
• Tribunal time limit (1 October 2026)
• Sexual harassment duty (30 October 2026)
• Tipping (By the end of 2026)
• Unfair dismissal (1 January 2027)
• Right to join a union (January 2027)
• Changes listed for 2027 (2027, no month yet)

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