The Government has rejected all House of Lords amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, prompting retail trade union Usdaw to call on peers to drop their opposition to the legislation.

The Bill – which includes changes to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave, sick pay and whistleblowing protections for sexual harassment – is likely to become law at the end of this year, with most aspects implemented in 2026 or 2027.

Usdaw, which represents around 360,000 members across retail and related sectors, welcomed the decision by MPs to stand firm against what it described as attempts to “water down” the bill.

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Joanne Thomas, Usdaw general secretary, said: “It is now time for Lib Dem and Tory peers to end their attempts to undermine the Government’s efforts to deliver a new deal for workers through the historic Employment Rights Bill.

“Making work pay and jobs more secure was clearly a key part of Labour’s manifesto, which was overwhelmingly supported by voters in last year’s landslide general election win.”

Thomas said insecure employment remains a significant issue across the UK, with one in eight workers now in precarious jobs, an increase of one million since 2011.

She said the bill, which has now completed three readings in the House of Lords, will help to level the playing field by curbing exploitative practices, ensuring fairer treatment for staff, and delivering greater security for those on zero-hours or short-hours contracts.

Usdaw said falling living standards and insecure work have taken a heavy toll on retail employees, many of whom face unstable hours and low pay. The union urged peers to “hear members’ concerns”, and recognise that the Government has no intention of revisiting the Lords’ changes.

“We hope that Lib Dem and Tory peers will do the right thing and stop undermining the vital changes in the Bill that will help bring fairness and security for workers,” Thomas added.

On Monday (15 September), a spokesperson for the Government said: “The Bill’s return to the Commons follows extensive engagement with business and trade unions to ensure that the legislation is firmly pro-business and pro-worker, and that businesses have the certainty they need to plan for the future.”

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