Open consultation

Make Work Pay: revised code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement

• From: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
• Published: 22 October 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Summary

We are seeking views on the revised code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 17 December 2026

Consultation description

The Employment Rights Act 2025 makes several changes to the statutory protections against fire and rehire, and fire and replace practices (dismissal and re-engagement).

The government is now updating the code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement (‘the code’) to reflect the legislative changes.

The government has redrafted the existing version of the code and is now seeking views on these changes before the code is finalised and brought into effect.

Documents

Consultation on the revised code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement

PDF, 429 KB, 25 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email digital@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Revised code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement

PDF, 629 KB, 34 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email digital@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Ways to respond

Respond online

or

Email to:

fireandrehire@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Write to:

Fire and rehire policy
Employment Rights Directorate
Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
Old Admiralty Building
Admiralty Place
London
SW1A 2DY