The Employment Rights Bill has returned to the House of Commons after passing its third reading in the House of Lords.
The Commons will now review the amendments added by the Lords, including those maintaining a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal and allowing workers to request, rather than be offered, guaranteed hours contracts.
The Lords amendments address concerns about the impact on small businesses and the economy. Debate in the Lords reflected contrasting views: some peers criticised the Bill for potentially increasing costs and tribunal claims for businesses, while others highlighted its potential to address insecure work and called for a more consensual approach to industrial relations.
Given Labour’s majority in the Commons, some Lords’ changes may be rejected, potentially leading to further debate between both Houses (i.e. parliamentary ping-pong) before Royal Assent is granted.
Nevertheless, following the recent Government reshuffle, there is considerable speculation that the Employment Rights Bill could be watered down, as some of the Bill's key supporters are no longer in Government.
