HL Deb 22 July 1996 vol 574 cc92-3WA
Lord McCarthy

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list, for each year over the period 1985–95, the ratio of the number of women who qualified for unfair dismissal rights as against 100 men, on the following basis: After three months' service; after six months' service; after 12 months' service; after 18 months' service; after 24 months' service.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

It is not possible to provide this information in the format requested. Whether or not individuals qualify to complain of unfair dismissal depends upon a number of factors, including their employment status and their ability to meet any qualifying conditions. The general right to complain of unfair dismissal currently has a qualifying period of two years' continuous service, though complaints about dismissals on some specified grounds require no qualifying period. Information about employees' length of service is available from the Labour Force Survey and I will write to the noble Lord with further details.