In its 2024 election manifesto, the Labour Party made a specific and clear commitment to introduce “basic rights from day one to parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal". The Government publicly maintained that day-one rights would be included as the Bill progressed.

During the passage of the Act amendments were put forward by the House of Lords, the unelected chamber. As a result the promised day-one protection from unfair dismissal was replaced by a six-month period. We believe this is a clear departure from the manifesto pledge, leaving new workers exposed. We call on the Government to introduce full day-one protection in law, ensuring fairness and security for all workers from their first day.