Government whips against Bill proposing limits on ‘fire and rehire’

The government has told its MPs to vote against a bill proposing strict limits on “fire and rehire” policies, 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.

A private members bill, backed by Labour, proposing that the practice only be permitted after employees have been adequately consulted, will be debated by MPs today.

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

Today’s debate could last up to four hours, and a vote can be avoided if MPs continue to speak up until its allotted time is up.