Andy Burnham confirms new work dismissal rule in law change plan

Andy Burnham confirms new work dismissal rule in law change plan The Prime Minister says new safeguards will mean "employers must do more". Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Claire Schofield 16:35, Thu, Oct 22, 2026 Updated: 16:37, Thu, Oct 22, 2026 New plans will give pregnant women and new parents stronger protections against unfair dismissal (Image: Getty) Prime Minister Andy Burnham has today confirmed a new work dismissal rule that will better protect worker’s rights under a law change planned for 2027. On Thursday, October 22, Mr Burnham announced plans to give pregnant women and new parents stronger protections against unfair dismissal, giving workers peace of mind that they have a job to come back to. From 2027, tribunals will use a new, stricter approach for dismissal cases involving pregnant women and new parents, requiring employers to have considered all reasonable alternatives to dismissal before pursuing it. Protections will also be extended to employees taking adoption leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave and bereaved partner’s paternity leave. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Confirming the plans in a post on LinkedIn today, Mr Burnham said: “No one should have to choose between starting a family and staying in work. But too many women are still discriminated against in the workplace, just for being pregnant. It’s not right. That’s why we’re giving pregnant women and new parents stronger protections against unfair dismissal. “New safeguards will mean employers must do more before firing a pregnant employee, and we’re also extending protections to people taking adoption leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care and bereaved partner’s paternity leave. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . “Because starting a family should be one of the happiest times of your life - you shouldn't have to worry about whether you have a job to come back to. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT “Most employers do the right thing. But every family deserves the confidence and security of knowing the law is on their side. If you’re doing the incredible job of raising a child, you deserve the peace of mind of knowing your job is protected too.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Under the plans, the band of reasonable responses for dismissals test will be replaced by a new proportionality test, which will come into effect from October 2027. This will only be for pregnant mothers, new parents, and other types of family-related leave listed above. For all other cases of unfair dismissal, the band of reasonable responses test – which asks how a reasonable employer would act – will remain in place. The reforms are intended to ensure that dismissal during the protected period is considered only after employers have appropriately explored reasonable alternatives. Depending on the circumstances, those alternatives may include changes to duties, additional support or training, redeployment opportunities, or other measures to help employees remain in work. The government said by raising the bar for all companies, the reforms will ease pressure on working families, making them feel more secure in their jobs. Andy Burnham confirms new time off work rule under April law change Households in 26 UK areas told ‘prepare to turn off gas, water and electricity’ Kate Shoesmith, director of policy and insights at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses across the country want to support women through pregnancy and their return to work. Employers also want to ensure new parents feel secure in their jobs. “These stronger protections are welcome and represent a sensible and balanced way forward. They give families greater security while recognising that businesses sometimes have to make difficult decisions for legitimate reasons. “We look forward to working constructively with government to develop practical guidance, so everyone knows exactly where they stand.” Andy Burnham Employment Women's rights Pregnancy Job market Job Cuts Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments