Retail trade union Usdaw has sharply criticised Conservative and Liberal Democrat Peers for backing amendments that would strip away new unfair dismissal protections from the Employment Rights Bill.

The union said the move would give “rogue employers the right to unfairly dismiss staff” and undermine a flagship piece of legislation aimed at making work more secure across the UK.

The Bill, one of the Labour Government’s key employment reforms, includes a proposal to allow workers to challenge unfair dismissal from the first day of employment, removing the current two-year qualifying period.

However, Peers in the House of Lords have voted to reject that measure.

Usdaw represents around 360,000 workers, primarily in the retail sector, as well as in distribution, food manufacturing, and other industries, and general secretary Joanne Thomas said: “It is staggering that opposition Peers have decided that it is ok to unfairly dismiss a worker without any recourse to an employment tribunal.”

“Labour had rightly proposed to end the two-year service qualification for challenging an unfair dismissal and make sure that employers have to act fairly from day one. Under the Government’s proposal, employers would still be able to dismiss a worker if it is done fairly and through a proper process.”

The union has long campaigned for stronger employment rights and better job security for retail staff, many of whom face short-term contracts, unpredictable hours and limited protections in the workplace.

Thomas urged MPs to overturn the Lords’ amendments when the Bill returns to the Commons.

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

“It ill becomes unelected Tories and Lib Dems to go against the expressed will of the people.”

As the Employment Rights Bill returns to the House of Commons, the Government faces growing pressure from unions and worker advocacy groups to defend its commitment to “making work pay” and ensure that all employees – regardless of length of service – are protected from unfair treatment at work.

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