Research conducted by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has revealed that 7.5 million employees started this year with no protection against unfair dismissal because they had not accumulated the required two years’ service. This amounts to a quarter of UK employees.
TUC figures also highlighted that the employees in the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic were the most vulnerable with 45% of employees in the hospitality sector and 32% of those working in retail being left without any protection.
Similarly, BAME and young employees were found to be most at risk of not having any protection with 56% of employees between the ages of 20 and 24, 40% of employees aged between 25 and 29 and a third of BAME employees lacking eligibility for unfair dismissal protection.
In light of this, the TUC has called on the government to make protection from unfair dismissal a day one right. Despite this, we consider it unlikely that the current two year qualifying period for ordinary unfair dismissal claims will be reduced, at least while the current UK Government is in place.
Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, SM&B cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
