A common error is to assume that employee rights only begin after two years of service. The following are examples of rights that accrue before then:

Applying for a job and attending interview

not to be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status (including civil partnerships), pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Immediately on commencing employment –

not to be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status (including civil partnerships), pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
to have an itemised pay statement
to be paid Statutory Sick Pay after three days of incapacity
not to have money deducted from wages without their prior written consent
not to be dismissed or selected for redundancy because of pregnancy or for any other discriminatory reason

to be given time off if pregnant to attend ante-natal care appointments
when pregnant to have 26 weeks maternity leave if they properly notify you of the pregnancy and the date they leave work
right to be accompanied (by a trade union representative or work colleague) at any disciplinary or grievance hearing
right to at least National Minimum Wage (at the prevailing rate)
right to paid holiday, rest breaks, daily breaks, maximum hours work per week
right to take unpaid time off to attend to family emergencies