Labour Market

Six business groups involved in tripartite discussions on the Employment Rights Bill have reacted to the news that the Government has agreed to a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal.

The workplace health crisis is damaging for individuals, employers and the economy. So, this report is a hugely important contribution to tackling the issue and helping businesses access and retain a skilled workforce.

Unemployment continues to edge up while job vacancies continue to fall. These are clear signs that employers are holding back on recruitment under the burden of soaring employment costs.

The ONS data suggests that the jobs market is continuing to loosen as unemployment rises, vacancies fall again, and wage growth slows.

The increase in employment costs for business appears to be starting to bite with today’s data showing a rise in unemployment.