Labour’s employment rights bill set to become law after Lords battle

Unions hail ‘generational shift’ as legislation introduces new rights on sick pay, parental leave and zero-hours contracts

Labour’s employment rights bill will finally become law after a battle in the House of Lords, paving the way for significant new rights for workers on sick pay, parental leave and zero-hours contracts.

Trade unions hailed a “generational shift” for workers’ rights after Tory peers conceded at the 11th hour on the legislation, which the government had promised to pass by Christmas. Royal assent is expected by Thursday.