In a recent development to the much debated Employment Rights Bill, the House of Lords has voted by 304 to 160 in support of a Conservative-led measure to defeat the proposal for day-one unfair dismissal protection. This is in favour of a new proposal where the existing qualifying period is reduced from two years’ service to six months.
There have been suggestions that this new proposal is a far better idea as it is simpler for employers and employees to understand. It would also be possible for it to come into effect by the end of 2025 (or certainly in 2026 if preferred), whereas the proposed day-one right is now not anticipated to come into effect until 2027.
The House of Commons will now need to debate and vote upon this proposed amendment. We wait to see whether MPs will support this amendment over the Government’s initial proposal for day-one unfair dismissal protection.
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