The UK government has adjusted its proposed employment legislation, reversing plans to introduce day-one protection against unfair dismissal for workers. This decision followed significant opposition from Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and cross-bench members of the House of Lords.
Under the revised proposals, a six-month right regarding unfair dismissal will be established through primary legislation, and the cap on the amount employees can claim will be entirely removed. Following this policy shift, Labour MPs are reportedly preparing to seek additional provisions on workers' rights from ministers.
Justin Madders, a former employment rights minister, commented that the government's reversal "raises questions about how committed the government are to the remaining bill and the wider make work pay agenda." The government's manifesto had previously committed to introducing basic rights from day one, including protection from unfair dismissal.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/nov/28/labour-mps-to-demand-more-concessions-on-workers-rights-after-government-climbdown