The UK Government has recently published a Call For Evidence, asking interested parties for their views on whether current dismissal procedures are too onerous, too complex and whether or not there is a lack of understanding in their application.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“The UK already has one of the world’s most flexible, adaptable labour markets, making it one of our strengths and it stands up very well in international comparisons. However, we recognise that there is room for improvement which balances the needs of business while ensuring that the necessary employment protections are upheld.
“We are already implementing a radical package of reforms to the employment tribunal system and increasing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal from one to two years. These are all measures that will help improve the way businesses hire, manage and end a working relationship.”
The Government is also seeking views on the idea of compensated no-fault dismissal for micro-businesses with fewer than ten employees. Under such a system, a business would be able to dismiss a worker from a micro-business, where no fault had been identified on the part of the employee, with the payment of a set amount of compensation.
In addition, the Government has published the Employment Law Review annual update in the Houses of Parliament, outlining how the review has been taken forward. The report summarises the current programme and looks ahead to further areas it is considering as part of the review.
