Reform and revolution: Employment Rights Bill unveiled by the government

"The Labour Government had previously indicated that it would outlaw zero-hour contracts and fire and rehire practices. However, the language used in the announcement of the Bill suggests that there will not be an outright ban on zero-hour contracts or on fire and rehire practices altogether; the Government has stated that it will ‘tackle’ fire and rehire and end only exploitive zero-hour contracts.

"The language does not commit to an absolute prevention on such practices and therefore indicates a watering down of previous pledges made.

"The plan to allow unfair dismissal claims from day one could bring about a revolution in employment law. Even if more relaxed rules will apply in probationary periods, employers will be a lot more cautious about hiring staff."

An extract of Andrew's comments was published in The Law Society Gazette and ICLG, 10 October 2024.