Labour ditches day-one protection from unfair dismissal in U-turn

The government has U-turned on its manifesto commitment to offer all workers protection against unfair dismissal from their first day in a job.

Ministers now plan to introduce the right after six months instead, following concerns from business groups.

The government argued it was making the climbdown to stop its employment legislation being delayed in the House of Lords, where it has run into opposition.

Currently, employees need to have been in a role for a minimum of two years before they are entitled to the protection.

Other new day-one rights to sick pay and paternity leave will still go ahead, coming into effect in April 2026.

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