Employment Rights Bill Returns to House of Lords for Consideration

The Employment Rights Bill, aimed at updating and enhancing employment rights, has returned to the House of Lords for consideration of Commons amendments. The bill addresses major topics including zero hours contracts, fire and rehire, flexible working, and unfair dismissal. Members of the Lords considered changes made by MPs in the Commons regarding previous Lords amendments, including qualifying criteria for guaranteed hours payments and confidentiality relating to harassment and discrimination regulations.

Key Takeaways:

• The Employment Rights Bill aims to update and enhance existing employment rights, including pay and conditions in particular sectors, and reforms related to trade union matters and industrial action.
• The bill addresses major topics such as zero hours contracts, fire and rehire, flexible working, and unfair dismissal.
• Members of the Lords considered changes made by MPs in the Commons regarding previous Lords amendments, including qualifying criteria for guaranteed hours payments and confidentiality relating to harassment and discrimination regulations.
• There were six divisions (votes) in total on proposed amendments to the bill, with members agreeing to changes on the definition of seasonal work, reducing the qualifying period of employment for unfair dismissal, and the right to receive guaranteed hours from an employer.
• The requirement for union members to contribute to political funds was also changed, as well as the commencement date of some provisions of the bill and the requirements of ballot before action by trade union.
• An amendment relating to the powers of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body was disagreed to, and the changes were not made.

Statistics:

• The Employment Rights Bill has undergone consideration by the House of Lords between 14 March and 3 September 2025.
• There were six divisions (votes) on proposed amendments to the bill.
• Members agreed to changes on the definition of seasonal work, reducing the qualifying period of employment for unfair dismissal, and the right to receive guaranteed hours from an employer.
• The number of votes in total on which members agreed to changes on the requirement of union members to contribute to political funds, the commencement date of some provisions of the bill, and the requirements of ballot before action by trade union is not specified.

Sources:

• The UK Parliament News Release
• Commons Amendments considered by the House of Lords (PDF) [no date specified]