The Parliamentary ping-pong continues on the Employment Rights Bill

The Employment Rights Bill was debated again in the House of Lords on Monday, but there is still a lack of agreement over several key issues, which have been sent back to the House of Commons.

• Day one unfair dismissal rights for employees: The Lords continue to insist on a six-month eligibility period for unfair dismissal claims, rather than day one rights. This continues to be debated by the Commons, as day one unfair dismissal rights were a key manifesto pledge.
• Guaranteed hours for zero hours workers: The House of Lords wish for the scheme to allow workers to be able to opt out of receiving offers of guaranteed hours, and for a provision that regard should be had to the ‘specific characteristics and requirements of seasonal work’ when the Secretary of State makes regulations
• Trade Unions: The Lords continue to disagree with the proposal that union members be automatically opted-in to a Union’s political fund.
• Industrial Action: The Lords continue to contest the removal of the requirement that there is a turnout of at least 50% for ballots on industrial action.

As a result, several key points remain in dispute, with the Government having offered very little so far by way of compromise. The longer this goes on, the more likely it is that the Government’s implementation plans will slip.

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