The government has U-turned on its promise to protect workers from unfair dismissal from day one in a job.

In a watering down of one of the key measures in the Employment Rights Bill, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal will now be six months - down from 24 months currently.

Labour wanted to bring in protections from day one in the job but faced opposition from some businesses.

There will also be no statutory probation period and workers will still get sick pay from day one in the job and paternity leave from April next year.

Ministers said reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal was a "workable package" that will "benefit millions of working people who will gain new rights and offer business and employers much needed clarity".

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