Doubt over ‘no-fault dismissal’ plans

A report commissioned by the Prime Minister calling for changes to employment law, making it easier for businesses to dismiss staff, has been criticised by a Liberal Democrat business minister. The minister for employment relations, consumer and postal affairs, Norman Lamb, was responding to a query from Labour in the Commons on Adrian Beecroft’s “no-fault dismissal” plans. He said he was “far from convinced that to take away protection from about 25 million employees in the UK would do much for confidence in this country.” The plans, which have previously been deemed “nonsense” by Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable, were also seized upon by Labour MP Heidi Alexander, who said it was “far removed from the real world of people trying to find work, stay in work and prosper in it.” Ms Alexander asked ministers in the chamber if they could reveal “how making it easier to sack people is going to create the jobs that my constituents in Lewisham so desperately need?” Mr Lamb advised that the most efficient way to ensure employees give their best is to invest in staff. Labour’s Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) has asked the coalition government to make it clear which parts of the Beecroft plans they accept and which they reject. Our Employment team provides advice on the employment aspects of all major business decisions. For advice, contact a member of the team: call us on 08456 381381 or email employment@ibblaw.co.uk.