Keir Starmer has abandoned workers’ rights reforms championed by Angela Rayner that would allow workers to sue for unfair dismissal on day one of their employment following a business backlash. The Telegraph has more.

In a major watering down of Angela Rayner’s workers’ rights legislation, employees will have to wait for six months before being able to take their bosses to court.

Business leaders and even Left-wing think tanks had warned it could impose major burdens on companies.

The about-turn was announced a day after the Budget by the Department for Business and Trade after meetings with union and business leaders. It followed a series of Government defeats in the House of Lords.

The Government said workers would still receive day-one rights to sick pay and paternity leave in April 2026 as planned. But employees will have to wait six months before being able to sue for unfair dismissal, down from the current 24 months.

Day-one protection for discrimination will remain part of the legislation.

Andrew Griffith, the Shadow Business Secretary, said: “This U-turn on a Labour flagship bill is a Conservative victory and will come as an enormous relief to business. But this is just one element of this rushed 330-page, job-killing legislation.

“It doesn’t change the fact the Bill is still not fit-for-purpose, nor does it change the fact it will give Unions the ‘Right to Roam’ into private businesses, ban banter in pubs or end flexible working.”

Just breadcrumbs, really then: most of the monster is left unscathed.

Read More: Starmer Scraps Workers’ Rights Reforms Championed by Rayner