Start Date vs Continuous Service Date

When adding or reviewing an employee record in WorkSmarter, you may see both a Start Date and a Continuous Service Date. These dates are often the same – but not always.

Understanding the difference ensures accurate reporting and correct calculation of statutory entitlements.

What is a Start Date?

The Start Date is the date an employee began working for the employer under their current contract.

It is typically used for:

• Payroll reference

• Onboarding records

• Probation tracking

• Internal reporting

In most cases, this is the date the employee joined your business.

What is a Continuous Service Date?

The Continuous Service Date is the date from which an employee’s unbroken statutory employment rights are calculated.

This date is used to determine:

• Redundancy pay

• Statutory notice periods

• Unfair dismissal protection

• Other length-of-service based rights

It reflects when the employee’s legal employment continuity began – even if that was before they joined your organisation or before the current contract of employment commenced.

When Might the Dates Be Different?

TUPE Transfers

If an employee transfers into your organisation under TUPE, their:

• Start Date = Date they joined your company

• Continuous Service Date = their original employment start date

Their statutory rights transfer with them.

Rehire After a Break in Service

If an employee leaves and later returns:

• Start Date = Rehire date

• Continuous Service Date = May reset, depending on the length and nature of the break

• Promotions or Pay-rises or change of terms

If an employee has been promoted and as part of that promotion was given a new contract, or was given a new contract as a result of a pay-rise or any other change of terms introduced:

• Start date = the date the new contract commenced

• Continuous Service Date = their original employment start date

Group Company Transfers

If an employee moves between companies within the same group (known as “associated employers”):

• Start Date = the date the new contract commenced for the new company

• Continuous Service Date = their original employment start date

Why This Matters

Accurate continuous service records help ensure:

• Correct redundancy calculations

• Accurate statutory notice entitlements

• Reduced risk in dismissal decisions

• Reliable HR reporting

Common Questions

Are Start Date and Continuous Service Date usually the same?

Yes. For most employees who join directly and remain continuously employed, both dates will match.

Should I update the Continuous Service Date for TUPE transfers or where new contracts have been issued?

Yes. The original employment start date should be recorded as the continuous service date.

Does annual leave or sickness break continuous service?

No. Statutory leave such as annual leave, sickness absence, maternity or paternity leave does not break continuous service.