ECA supports Government u-turn on day one protection from unfair dismissal

ECA (Electrotechnical Contractors’ Association) welcomes the news that the Government is not going to be implementing day one workers’ rights to claim unfair dismissal.

Catherine Watt, Director of HR and Employee Relations at ECA, said:

“We’ve been pushing for this through the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) for many months, so it’s encouraging to see it finally happen. Some of our ECA Members, especially small and medium-sized businesses, don’t have their own HR departments to help with hiring and employment issues that can occur later.

“This change will support businesses already under financial pressure, who can’t afford the risk of hiring someone unsuitable and then having to pay legal costs as a result.”

ECA’s persistent advocacy has influenced major changes this year in other areas such as late payment and retentions. The trade association has also been instrumental in the creation of UK-wide electrical safety guidance on secondary low-voltage electrical supplies for life safety services.

All ECA Members have access to support and guidance through their membership, including advice on employment law and guidance documents and templates on key HR policies and processes.

ECA is on hand to answer any questions, big or small, that its Members may have about navigating HR and employment matters.

On 8 December ECA, together with Worknest, are holding a webinar to discuss the Employment Rights Bill changes coming into effect in 2026. Register for the webinar here.

Courses related to employment law will also be available to ECA Members via the Growth Hub from February 2026 (a waiting list is currently in operation for the course being held on 9 December). The Growth Hub provides bespoke business training courses to empower ECA Members on their business growth journey. Look out for more information on the ECA website soon.

This article appears on the ECA news and blogsite as "ECA supports Government u-turn on day one protection from unfair dismissal" 28 November, 2025.

--ECA

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