Member

Most of the amendments in this group would make similar changes to Clause 26. Certainly, the amendments of the noble Lords, Lord Fox and Lord Lucas, would make similar adjustments to the clause to allow reasonable adjustment. These amendments ask for small changes without fundamentally changing the essence of the clause in tightening up regulation on the varying of contracts and protection of employees. Without these small changes, I can see bad employers closing a company down and restarting a new company just to get around this clause. I certainly support the increase that will raise the cap on protective awards to 180 days to ensure that employees are fairly treated by employers, as this sort of penalty would certainly ensure that good employers follow the consultation process for undertaking the last resort action of fire and rehire or replacement.