Lib Dems block Tory drive to let people be sacked without explanation

The Times reports on a welcome early success for Norman Lamb in his new role:

A fresh row over Britain’s employment laws has erupted within the Government after a Liberal Democrat backlash against attempts to make it easier to hire and fire employees…

Lib Dem ministers believe that they have killed off an attempt to allow companies to dismiss employees without explanation.

Ministers will ask business groups, companies and unions to submit their thoughts on altering unfair dismissal rules but after Lib-Dem intervention the consultation will make clear that the Government has no plans to weaken workers’ rights…

The debate within Government has intensified since the arrival of Norman Lamb as Employment Minister. Before entering Government, Mr Lamb said that the idea of abolishing unfair dismissal “would legitimise Victorian employment practices”.