Employment Rights Bill

Debate between Graham Stuart and Darren Paffey

2nd reading
Monday 21st October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Darren Paffey (Southampton Itchen) (Lab)]

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

[Graham Stuart]

I will not.

History tells us that Labour Governments always end with unemployment higher than when they began. They do not do it because they are evil. As has been said, no one in the Cabinet comes from a business background; they simply do not understand the realities. This Government seem bent on destroying employment even faster than their predecessors.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. They do enormous social good. As the FSB says, smaller employers are

“the ones most likely to give opportunities to people furthest from the labour market, such as those returning after long-term health issues or caring responsibilities.”

Yet under these proposals, the

“Plans to give day one unfair dismissal rights to new employees will add to the risks associated with hiring people.”

That increased risk will inevitably deter small employers from taking on new people for fear of facing an employment tribunal simply because a new recruit turns out to be unsuited to the role. How will Ministers ensure that a company selling food at summer festivals is not bankrupted by having to offer a contract to someone who is not needed after that period is over?

The Government have had a disastrous start. It is no wonder that the legislation is chaotic and poorly planned, given that Labour Cabinet Ministers are never early for work but always early for the free buffet at the Emirates or at Taylor Swift concerts. The Deputy Prime Minister is selling out the country’s interests in favour of trade union interests—selling out the people who vote Labour for the people who fund Labour. The Bill is a catastrophe, and I hope the House opposes it today.