The 90-day consultation period before large-scale redundancies can take place is to be cut to 45 days, under government plans. Employment Relations Minister Jo Swinson said the move was aimed at helping workers and businesses. Labour said the changes would not boost economic growth and the TUC said: "Making it easier to sack people is the last thing we need."
But many business groups welcomed the move. The change, which would affect the whole of the UK, is planned to be introduced in April. It would affect redundancies of 100 or more workers.

'Strike a balance'

Ms Swinson said a consultation process had produced strong support for the changes and added: "The process is usually completed well within the existing 90-day minimum period, which can cause unnecessary delays for restructuring, and make it difficult for those affected to get new jobs quickly.....Read more here on this story: BBC News - Redundancy talks period to be cut from 90 to 45 days