Key Takeaways
- The UK government has abandoned plans to give workers day-one protection against unfair dismissal, breaching the Labour manifesto.
- The proposal to remove the 24-month "qualifying period" for workers to make an unfair dismissal claim has been axed.
- The government now intends to introduce the right over unfair dismissal after six months of service instead.
- Other day-one rights to paternity leave and sick pay are still due to go ahead, coming into effect in April 2026.
- Labour MPs have voiced concerns and described the move as a "complete betrayal" and a "manifesto breach".
Introduction to the U-Turn
The UK government’s decision to abandon plans to give workers day-one protection against unfair dismissal has sparked anger among backbench MPs. The proposal, which was part of the Labour manifesto, aimed to remove the 24-month "qualifying period" for workers to make an unfair dismissal claim, allowing them to do so from the first day in a new job. However, ministers have now axed the proposal, citing the need to get the legislation through parliament. This U-turn has been met with criticism from Labour MPs, who argue that it breaches the party’s manifesto commitment.
Reaction from Labour MPs
Labour MPs, including former minister Justin Madders, have voiced their concerns over the climbdown. Andy McDonald, the Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, described the move as a "complete betrayal" and vowed to push for its reversal. He stated that the halfway measure of introducing the right over unfair dismissal after six months of service is not acceptable. Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Labour MP for Poole, also expressed his disappointment, stating that there had been no discussion with the parliamentary Labour party about the concession. Rachael Maskell, the Labour MP for York Central, argued that employers have nothing to fear from day-one rights, but workers have everything to fear from an employer who doesn’t want day-one rights.
The Manifesto Commitment
The Labour manifesto explicitly promised to "consult fully with businesses, workers, and civil society on how to put our plans into practice before legislation is passed". The manifesto also stated that the party would "introduce basic rights from day one to parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal". The U-turn on day-one protection against unfair dismissal has been seen as a breach of this manifesto commitment. Justin Madders, the former employment minister, stated that the decision "definitely is a manifesto breach". The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, argued that the manifesto commitment was to consult with trade unions, businesses, and civil society, and that the government had done so before making the decision to introduce the right over unfair dismissal after six months of service.
The Government’s Justification
The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, justified the government’s decision, stating that there was a "very real prospect" that the implementation of the employment rights bill would have been delayed if the government had not made a U-turn over day-one protections against unfair dismissal. She argued that the concession would allow the government to introduce other important day-one rights, such as sick pay and parental leave, from April next year. However, this justification has not been accepted by Labour MPs, who argue that the government should have stood by its manifesto commitment.
The Implications of the U-Turn
The U-turn on day-one protection against unfair dismissal has significant implications for workers’ rights in the UK. The decision to introduce the right over unfair dismissal after six months of service instead of from day one may leave workers vulnerable to exploitation by employers. Labour MPs have vowed to campaign for the reversal of the concession, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the criticism. The U-turn has also raised questions about the government’s commitment to its manifesto promises and its willingness to consult with trade unions, businesses, and civil society. As the legislation makes its way through parliament, it is likely that the issue will continue to be debated and contested.