Government quashes Bill aiming to ban ‘fire and rehire’

The government have won a vote on a private member’s bill proposing strict limits on “fire and rehire” policies, by 251 to 188.

It was reported earlier today that the government had whipped MPs against the bill, despite the Prime Minister previously blasting firms who profit from the situation as “unacceptable”.

“Fire-and-rehire” refers to the practice of firms laying off staff in order to rehire them on fresh, and usually less advantageous, terms.

The bill, proposed by Labour MP Barry Gardiner, said employees must be fully consulted on any plans, and that an independent committee should moderate any disputes between staff and firms on the matter.