House of Lords | 'Day one' unfair dismissal rights blocked in major blow to Employment Rights Bill

The House of Lords has voted to remove a key clause from the Employment Rights Bill that would have granted employees protection against unfair dismissal from their first day in the job.

Peers instead backed an amendment that introduces a six-month qualifying period, replacing the Government’s original proposal for day-one rights. The amendment, tabled by Conservative peer Lord Sharpe of Epsom, passed by 304 votes to 160 during a debate.

The decision marks a significant setback for one of the Government’s headline employment law reforms, as well as a core Labour manifesto commitment.

Peers warn of ‘unintended consequences’ of day one workers' rights

Several peers argued that automatic day-one rights could discourage employers from taking risks on new hires, particularly those with non-traditional backgrounds or limited experience.