Government abandons manifesto pledge with major U-turn on workers’ rights
- Ministers have abandoned plans to grant workers day-one protection against unfair dismissal in the Employment Rights Bill.
- The revised legislation will now require workers to have six months of service to claim unfair dismissal, a reduction from the current 24-month qualifying period.
- This change was made to ensure the Bill passes through Parliament and reaches royal assent, following constructive discussions between trade unions and business representatives.
- The Department for Business and Trade stated the amended package will benefit millions of working people and offer clarity to employers.
- TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak urged peers to respect Labour’s mandate and ensure the Bill secures royal assent quickly to implement new rights for workers.