83.This section inserts a new subsection into section 108 of the ERA 1996. The effect of the new subsection is that the two year qualification period for employment will not apply where the reason (or principal reason) for dismissal is the employee’s political opinions or affiliation. Dismissal for political opinions or affiliation will not, however, be an automatically unfair dismissal; where such proceedings are lodged with an employment tribunal, the tribunal will still need to go on to consider reasonableness (section 98(4) of the ERA 1996).