The truth about fire and rehire

Although somewhat contentious, when it is handled properly, it is not illegal. It also is not anything new, despite the media recently disclosing several high-profile brands who have chosen to use fire and rehire to tackle the financial burden brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

But what are the other options and where do business owners, or for that matter their employees, stand from a legal perspective when it comes to fire and rehire?

Though illegal in Ireland, Spain and France, at present fire and rehire is a widely acceptable employment practice across the UK. It is so common in fact, that a study conducted by the TUC revealed that, since the start of the pandemic, one in 10 UK workers have found themselves in a situation where they have had to reapply for their jobs on inferior terms or risk being permanently dismissed.