Advice to help employers avoid fire and rehire practices

Workplace expert, Acas, published evidence on the use of fire and rehire practices at work in June.

In response, the government asked Acas to produce guidance to help employers explore all other options first before considering fire and rehire to change employee contracts.

This new advice has been published today and can help employers maintain good employment relations and reach agreement with staff if they are thinking about making changes to their contracts.

Acas Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said:

“Our new advice is clear that fire and rehire is an extreme step that can seriously damage working relations and has significant legal risks for organisations.  Employers should thoroughly explore all other options first and make every effort to reach agreement with staff on any contract changes.  Organisations that consult with their workforce in a genuine and meaningful way about proposed changes can help prevent conflict at work and stay within the law.  Acas advice is that organisations which are considering contract changes should fully consult with all affected staff and their representatives in a genuine and meaningful way.”