Member

Amendment 21 makes an important clarification to ensure that employers retain the ability to make genuine redundancies where there is a legitimate business need to do so. I hope the Minister will carefully consider the amendment, because it would ensure that the introduction of a new right to be offered guaranteed hours does not inadvertently create a chilling effect where employers fear that normal restructuring processes would expose them to allegations of unfairness simply because guaranteed hours had been agreed. Let me make absolutely clear that this amendment does not in any way undermine the provisions being introduced; we just need that clarification. In conclusion, the amendment strengthens the Bill by giving businesses greater confidence to participate fully and openly in the new framework without hesitation or defensive practices. I beg to move.