**[

SI 2012 No. 989

](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/989/made)**This Order increases from one year to two years the qualifying period of continuous employment needed:

(a) for the entitlement, on request, to a written statement of reasons for dismissal (article 2), and

(b) to acquire the right not to be unfairly dismissed (article 3).

The Order contains a transitional provision having the effect that the new qualifying periods will not apply to those employees whose period of continuous employment begins before 6th April 2012.

Made: 30th March 2012
Coming into force: 6th April 2012