House of Lords stands firm on ERB amends - Alan Lewis comments to People Management

The House of Lords has this week stood firm against the government’s proposal to introduce "day-one" unfair dismissal rights, and have once again reaffirmed their position that there should be a six-month qualifying period.

Peers argued that businesses need greater clarity and stability before such sweeping changes take effect.

Speaking to People Management, Constantine Law partner, Alan Lewis, pulled no punches, describing the proposed shift from a two-year qualifying period to day-one protection as “the most substantial change to unfair dismissal law for decades.”

Alan warns that employers could become more cautious in hiring, relying more on temporary staff or conducting stricter pre-employment checks to mitigate risk.

While unions have rejected the Lords’ compromise, saying it would still leave millions vulnerable, critics including the think tank, the Resolution Foundation, fear the bill could dampen recruitment and economic growth. The bill now returns to the Commons with further rounds of parliamentary “ping pong” looking likely.

Read the full piece and Alan's comments in full here: