Major Shift on Workers' Rights as Government Alters Key Bill
The government has performed a significant U-turn by abandoning its manifesto pledge to grant workers day-one protection against unfair dismissal. This major policy shift was confirmed on Thursday 27 November 2025, as ministers revised the flagship Employment Rights Bill to ensure its passage through Parliament.
What Has Changed in the Employment Rights Bill?
Instead of the promised day-one rights, the revised legislation will now require employees to have completed six months of service before they can bring a claim for unfair dismissal. This new qualifying period does, however, represent a reduction from the current law, which mandates a 24-month wait. The Department for Business and Trade stated that the amended package is the result of constructive discussions between trade unions and business representatives, and is designed to offer clarity to employers while still benefiting millions of workers.
Securing Royal Assent and Industry Reaction
The primary reason cited for the change was to ensure the Bill successfully navigates Parliament and reaches royal assent. Paul Nowak, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has responded by urging peers to respect the government's mandate and ensure the Bill becomes law quickly, so that the new rights for workers can be implemented without further delay.
