Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government is confronting significant internal anger after confirming it has abandoned a flagship pledge to grant workers protection from unfair dismissal from their very first day in a job.
The Policy Reversal
The original proposal, a central part of Labour's election manifesto, promised to slash the qualifying period for making an unfair dismissal claim from 24 months to the first day of employment. However, the government has now performed a major U-turn on this commitment.
Instead of day-one rights, ministers will introduce a new plan where employees gain the right to protection against unfair dismissal after six months of service. This new qualifying period is a significant departure from their pre-election promise. The government has stated that other day-one rights, such as those for paternity leave and sick pay, remain on track for implementation in April 2026.
Backlash and Business Reaction
The decision has ignited fury among Labour backbenchers and the trade unions that form a core part of the party's support. The Unite union has been particularly vocal in its criticism, with some Labour MPs privately labelling the move a "complete betrayal" and a clear "manifesto breach".
In contrast, the shift has been welcomed by business groups. They have argued that a six-month qualifying period is crucial for maintaining business confidence, allowing employers a reasonable timeframe to assess new staff. Ministers have defended the new plan, framing it as a workable compromise that was found through discussions between unions and employers.
Compromise and Consequences
Despite the defence from the frontbench, the U-turn represents one of the first major tests of discipline for Sir Keir Starmer's government. The concession on a key workers' right pledge, announced on Friday 28 November 2025, has exposed a rift between the party's leadership and its left wing.
Sir Keir Starmer has publicly insisted that his government is adhering to its manifesto promises. However, the abandonment of the day-one unfair dismissal protection directly contradicts the text of the Labour Party's election document, setting the stage for continued friction within the party.
