The government has made a U-turn from its manifesto commitment to provide protection against unfair dismissal to all workers from their first day in the job.
Following concerns from business groups, ministers now plan to implement this right after six months.
The government argued it was taking the step to prevent its employment legislation from being delayed in the House of Lords, where it has faced opposition.
Other new day-one entitlements to sick pay and paternity leave will still continue, coming into effect in April 2026.
Currently, employees are required to have been in a role for at least two years to be protected against unfair dismissal.
Labor had planned to abolish this qualifying period altogether, along with a new legal probationary period to be determined after consultation.
The promise was a key pledge in Labour’s manifesto ahead of last year’s general election.
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