Tory Peers “actively defying” the will of the British public on workers’ rights, says TUC

The TUC has criticised Conservative peers after the House of Lords once again rejected the Employment Rights Bill, warning that delays to the legislation are putting millions of workers at risk.

The Bill, which the union movement said delivers on a clear manifesto commitment, has faced repeated opposition in the Lords despite months of debate and scrutiny.

The TUC argued that continued resistance undermines democratic accountability and public support for stronger workplace protections.

Commenting on the latest vote, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Enough is enough. Continuing to vote down the Employment Rights Bill – a clear manifesto commitment – is undemocratic.

“This Bill has been debated and scrutinised for months. Tory Peers are actively defying the will of the British public and their own supporters who overwhelmingly support measures in this Bill.”

He added: “The rights of millions of workers hang in the balance if this Bill does not pass by Christmas.

“The fight goes on. We will not rest until these rights are enacted and workers start to benefit.

“The unelected Lords who are holding up this landmark legislation must urgently move out the way.”

The TUC has pledged to continue campaigning for the Bill’s passage, warning that further delays could prevent workers from seeing long-promised improvements to pay, security and rights at work.