Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Business Update

29 March 2022 · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Proposed by Paul Scully Con Sutton and Cheam

Employment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Government will bring forward a statutory code of practice on dismissal and reengagement.
  • The draft code will be consulted on later in the year.
  • The aim is to introduce the code when parliamentary time allows.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the use of 'fire and rehire' tactics by employers to renegotiate contracts and announces plans for a statutory code of practice.

Action requested

The Government will bring forward a statutory code of practice on dismissal and reengagement under section 203 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, consult on the draft later this year, and aim to introduce it when parliamentary time allows.

Key facts

  • The Government has asked Acas to look at 'fire and rehire' tactics.
  • Acas published online guidance stating employers should consider dismissal as a last resort after thorough consultation.
  • A statutory code of practice will be admissible in evidence before courts or Employment Tribunals in England, Scotland, and Wales.
  • Employment Tribunal judges can award an uplift in compensation up to 25% for employees subject to unfair treatment.
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