the collective trade union stuff (although relatively limited) has gone under the radar. Certification Officer being neutered will be quite nice

think Labour’s spin machine has been good on this tbh, most reports talking about ‘exploitative’ zero hour contracts, when that word isn’t in the legislation- reports of 9 month statutory probation period also bit off as next step document (not the bill) just says this is government preference and

Just means a tribunal might rule it to be fair- though think realistically practicalities of this are still going to be worked out via case law. Think some of this is due to how many dismissal cases come down to the process by which someone was dismissed instead of were the reasons fair

And that there is scope for this to be a bit different in ‘initial employment period’ than afterwards. If an employer can evidence they have abided by these regulations and guidance this then the dismissal is fair. So it doesn’t preclude workers bringing claims for unfair dismissal from day one

Also, way I read it, (and open to more informed readings) is the bill lays the ground for the secretary of state to determine (alongside length of ‘probation period’) what, during this, would constitute fair reasons for dismissal and give guidance to employers about what they should have to evidence

Mention a specific time frame, just says ‘initial period of employment’ will be determined in a for dance with regulations from the secretary of state

Which I think could encompass ordering an employer to recognise a union recognised by the contracting authority- though not sure a minister would do this. Will also have to publish a code of practice on it

The outsourcing section is interesting, says that a minister of the crown can, via regulations, specify provisions to be included in contracts for ensuring outsourced workers treated no less favourably than they were when they were in-house.

Could be misunderstanding though as wording is a tad opaque

I think a version of this was in manifesto as Single Enforcement Body which would ‘have the powers it needs to undertake targeted and proactive enforcement work and bring civil proceedings’. In the bill this is ‘advise the Secretary of State about such matters’ relating to sos’ enforcement function