Unfair Dismissal

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 24 July 1979.

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Photo of Mr Greville Janner Mr Greville Janner , Leicester West 12:00, 24 July 1979

The point that the hon. Member for Bridlington (Mr. Townend) has just made is one which, with the very greatest of respect, I was trying to make during the Minister's speech, and I was told that it was too wide. I accept most readily what the hon. Member said because it illustrates what Labour Members have been saying throughout—namely, that by using the procedure of an order the Government are starting a process which they will continue by statute. They are using the form of an order because they can do it quickly, whereas a statute would take them very much longer.

I have always failed to understand why employers should have the right to dismiss anyone unfairly. I have never understood why it should be the right of a manager to dismiss even a new employee unfairly. I do not know why a qualifying period of 26 weeks is needed, never mind a year, and I have always believed that it was wrong for any employer to dismiss any employee at any time unfairly.

The Employment Protection Act does not, in my view, go far enough to protect people. It says that whether or not an employer dismisses—