Angela is pushing for staff to receive full employment rights, including the ability to bring unfair dismissal claims to employment tribunals, after a short probation period. Currently, employees must work for at least two years to qualify for such protections.
Reynolds favours a longer probation period of up to nine months, arguing it provides a reasonable balance between employee rights and business needs. Businesses view probation as essential for assessing new hires, and there are fears that the changes could lead to a surge in costly and time-consuming unfair dismissal claims.
The proposed reforms, spearheaded by Rayner, are part of Labour's manifesto commitment to strengthen workers' rights, including ending zero-hour contracts, banning 'fire and rehire' practices, raising the minimum wage, and enhancing the right to request flexible working and a four-day week.
A Whitehall source described the debate as "intense," noting that reaching an agreement within the next fortnight remains uncertain. It's unclear if an agreement will be reached.
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