Tell us what went wrong and we'll look into it. We'll be in touch as soon as we can.
Your name and email will only be used to respond to your report. See our Privacy Policy.
Share Your Feedback
Good or bad, we'd love to hear what you think. No strings attached.
Your feedback helps us make the site better for everyone. See our Privacy Policy.
Fire and Rehire
Fire and Rehire in Northern Ireland
Being dismissed and offered new terms in Northern Ireland: unfair dismissal after 1 year, the LRA, and why the Great Britain changes do not apply.
Last reviewed: 24 September 2026Sources: listed at the end, each checked on the date shownNorthern Ireland
Who this guide is for
Employees in Northern Ireland whose employer wants to change their contract and has threatened to dismiss them and offer a new contract on new terms ("fire and rehire").
Whether your employer can change your contract without your agreement in Northern Ireland, and any code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement. This guide does not set these out: ask the Labour Relations Agency (LRA).
Most of the Employment Rights Act 2025 does not apply in Northern Ireland. Do not rely on the Great Britain fire and rehire changes here.
If you are dismissed, it is still a dismissal, even if you are offered a new contract.
Unfair dismissal needs at least 1 year of continuous employment in Northern Ireland.
Before most claims you must tell the LRA. Most claims must be made within 3 months less 1 day.
What the rules depend on
Have you been dismissed, or only told you might be? A threat is not yet a dismissal.
How long have you worked there? Ordinary unfair dismissal needs 1 year.
When did it happen? The date decides your time limit.
"Can they do this?"
This guide does not set out the Northern Ireland rules on changing a contract without agreement. Ask the LRA before you agree to anything.
If you are dismissed, you may be able to claim unfair dismissal. In Northern Ireland you need at least 1 year of continuous employment to claim ordinary unfair dismissal. The Great Britain change to 6 months from January 2027 does not apply in Northern Ireland.
"What can I do?"
Before most claims you must notify the Labour Relations Agency (LRA). Early conciliation through the LRA is free. If you notify the LRA within your time limit, the clock stops for up to 1 calendar month while conciliation takes place, plus up to 14 more days if both sides agree.
Deadlines you must meet
Most claims: 3 months less 1 day, including unfair dismissal.
Labour Relations Agency (LRA): 03300 555 300. Early conciliation, and free, confidential and impartial advice on employment rights.
If you are in a trade union, it can give you help, advice and support.
Advice NI: 0800 915 4604
Traps
Do not use the Great Britain Employment Rights Act 2025 fire and rehire rules in Northern Ireland.
There is no Acas early conciliation in Northern Ireland. Use the LRA.
Unfair dismissal needs 1 year here, not 2 years or 6 months.
Sources (checked 24 September 2026)
nidirect: Employment-related tribunals. Business.gov.uk (Department for Business and Trade): Employment tribunal time limits, where the changes apply in Northern Ireland.
LRA and Advice NI contact details checked on 24 September 2026.
Important disclaimer: This guide covers fire and rehire in Northern Ireland as at 24 September 2026. General legal information only, not legal advice. ukworkrights.co.uk, Not a law firm.