Greater protection from unfair dismissal

DISMISSAL DEAL: Staff may be protected from unfair dismissal after a year's service with an employer - rather than the current two-year period - under a package of concessions to the unions being drawn up by the Government.

The Fairness at Work White Paper, due in May, could give workers the right to take an employer to an industrial tribunal if the management sacks the workforce following a lawful ballot. Employees also may be given the right to be represented by a union official, even if the union is not recognised by the company.

The news emerged as the trade and industry minister, Ian McCartney, prepared to hold a meeting this week with up to 100 Labour MPs on trades unions issues.