New government plans are looking to cut the redundancy consultation period for large scale redundancies of over 100 employees. The new plans are looking at reducing the time period from 90 days to 45 days.
The changes are likely to come up against much debate, with members of the opposition parties arguing that this change in the time period will make it easier for businesses to sack staff and ultimately it is argued that this will not help the economic recovery or employment figures. Many see it as a reducing of employee rights and do not believe that it will encourage businesses to take on more people.However, Employment Relations Minister Jo Swinson has said that it will help businesses as normally consultation periods end within plenty of time of the deadline of 90 days and this simply prolongs the process unnecessarily. She is supported by the Institute of Directors who believe that this will help businesses as often they need to be able to restructure quickly and bringing the period down to 45 days brings us in line with other EU competitors.The changes will perhaps strike a closer balance between employees rights and strengthen the position for employers and giving them more flexibility.The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.Setfords Solicitors are a national full service law firm, with Employment Solicitors in Coventry and across the country.