Problems continue for the government after the House of Lords refused to back down on their amendments, resulting in the Employment Rights Bill being pushed further down the track.
The government’s projected timetable to pass the Bill and roll out changes is slipping, following continued concerns - including the unintended consequences of day one rights by peers such as the former Archbishop of York, Lord Sentamu.
Usual convention, in which the upper house allows a Bill to proceed to law, is being flouted in a rare move amid worries that the government is ignoring its own impact assessments.
The dissent is focused around unfair dismissal rights, consultations, zero-hours contracts with guaranteed hours, and trade union matters.
What Does This Mean for Business?
The Bill must now return to the Commons once again, scheduled for 8 December, to further debate the Lords’ position.
If ministers are still determined not to compromise on their manifesto commitment that the bill should pass unamended, the game of parliamentary ping pong may continue.
Other options would be for the government to respond to the Lords’ feedback and make some compromises to the Bill.
Alternatively, they could invoke the Parliament Act - a rarely used power allowing them to present legislation for Royal Assent without the approval of the House of Lords.
Whatever happens, delay to this legislation will inevitably cause more uncertainty for employers.
Expert Advice and Guidance
WorkSmarter’s HR Newsroom will continue to keep you updated. Our HR Partners offer expert, bespoke advice and guidance that help SMEs navigate employment law and compliance issues. Get in touch.
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