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ICAEW comment on Employment Rights Bill

Author: ICAEW

Published: 28 Nov 2025

Amani White, ICAEW Senior Policy Manager, commented on changes to the Employment Rights Bill:

“We’re pleased the government’s has engaged constructively engagement with business to extend the unfair dismissal qualifying period from day one to six months. This compromise goes some way towards balancing employees’ interests in a fair and transparent process with the need for businesses to manage workforce risk effectively and not be deterred from hiring.

“The government commitment to lift the compensation cap for unfair dismissal claims significantly increases financial exposure for businesses and creates uncertainty around potential liabilities, especially in a time when doing business is already so uncertain, costly and difficult. It’s time for the government to deliver the conditions for the growth that the UK needs.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

About ICAEW 

Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 210,000 members and students around the world. 98 of the top 100 global brands employ ICAEW Chartered Accountants.* 87% of FTSE 100 companies, and 81% of FTSE 250 companies in the UK, have an ICAEW member on their board.

Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor around 11,000 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct.

We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet’s resources are managed sustainably.

ICAEW is working towards becoming net zero, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.

ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers.

We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all.

* includes parent companies. Source: ICAEW member data March 2025, Interbrand, Best Global Brands 2024.

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