To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to reduce the qualifying period for eligibility to pursue a case for unfair dismissal; and if she will make a statement. [11090]

The Government have no plans to change the qualifying period for unfair dismissal. The House of Lords has referred to the European Court of Justice questions relating to whether the qualifying period for unfair dismissal is indirectly discriminatory against women. However, the Government are committed to providing fair minimum standards for people at work and expects to consult on proposals for fairness at work later this year.