Overview

• Ministers say they will vote down peers’ attempts to add a six‑month qualifying period for unfair dismissal and to turn guaranteed‑hours contracts into a mere right to request.
• The bill promises parental and paternity leave from day one, stronger statutory sick pay, improved flexible working, curbs on exploitative zero‑hours contracts, and a new Fair Work Agency.
• Union leaders back the stance and press for watertight secondary rules on issues such as compensation for cancelled shifts once the law passes.
• Seven women’s organisations warn ministers that diluting the plan would set back gender equality, noting women’s over‑representation in zero‑hours roles and exclusion from sick pay.
• Conservatives urge the OBR to model the bill’s impact as government estimates put annual business costs at £900m–£5bn and the fiscal watchdog says it lacks sufficient detail.