TUC: New laws would only help nasty bosses

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, responds to recommendations in a leaked report that unfair dismissal laws should be scrapped:

"Scrapping protection against unfair dismissal, even for people who have given years of loyal service, will do absolutely nothing to boost the economy. Indeed if people are constantly in fear of losing their jobs it will lead consumers to spend even less.

"But while this proposal does nothing for growth, it does show the kind of economy those close to the prime minister want to create – one in which nasty bosses are given full license to undermine those trying to maintain decent standards.

"The clue is in the name. Employers already have plenty of powers to make fair dismissals. Giving them the right to act unfairly may go down well on the backbenches, but will horrify employees."