The Government has not yet made a final decision on whether or not to extend the unfair dismissal qualifying period, blaming a “drafting error” in its Statement of New Regulation.

Yesterday, trade unions reacted with anger over news the Government was increasing the qualifying period for employees to be able to bring a claim for unfair dismissal from one to two years as part of its 'one-in, one-out' review of regulation.

This Spring, the Government consulted over its plan to increase the unfair dismissal qualifying period to two years.

But this morning a spokesman from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, told HR magazine: "We can confirm that there was a drafting error in the Second Statement of New Regulation. No final decision has been taken to increase the unfair dismissal qualifying period."

It is understood the Department will re-issue the document and is still considering the responses to the consultation. More details will be announced shortly.