Workers fear for jobs with David Cameron's plan, says Ed Miliband

Workers will fear for their jobs as a result of government plans to overhaul employment laws, Labour leader Ed Miliband claimed today.

David Cameron is expected to unveil changes making it easier for firms to sack under-performing workers and freeing smaller companies from red tape.

They are part of moves to boost job creation and come as the Prime Minister hosts major employers including John Lewis and Marks and Spencer at Downing Street. Ahead of the summit, Mr Cameron pledged "the most pro-business, pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda ever unleashed by a government".

Reports suggested a new "employers' charter" would allow companies to sack workers during the first two years in a job without the threat of being taken to a tribunal for unfair dismissal — double the current one-year limit.

Small businesses may also be excluded from more stringent employment laws, and statutory sick pay awarded for less than the current 28 weeks.

Mr Miliband attacked the proposals as fears were also raised about the impact on women.

"The Government has had eight months to come up with a growth strategy but apparently this morning all they can come up with is a proposal to make it easier to sack workers," the Labour leader said.

But businesses in the capital welcomed the plans.

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Colin Stanbridge said: "Employers will be able to spend more of their time running their business rather than wading through red tape."