‘Early Christmas present’ | Employment Rights Bill finally set to become law as parliamentary battle concludes

Labour’s landmark employment rights bill is set to become law by Christmas, after a long period of parliamentary ping-pong in the House of Lords finally drew to a close yesterday.

Royal assent is expected by Thursday for the law, triggering a major overhaul of workers’ rights on parental leave, statutory sick pay, and dismissal.

It comes after the conclusion of a significant period of opposition from Conservative peers in the House of Lords, which forced Labour to make concessions on core parts of the bill, including day-one rights to unfair dismissal.

Conservative peer Lord Sharpe, the shadow business and trade minister, withdrew a final amendment yesterday (16 December), clearing the final hurdle blocking the bill’s completion.