Trade union Usdaw has urged peers to drop their opposition to the Employment Rights Bill.

The Bill – which includes changes to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave, sick pay and employee protections for whistleblowing and sexual harassment – is expected to come into effect at the end of this year.

Joanne Thomas, Usdaw’s general secretary said: “It is now time for Lib Dem and Tory peers to end their attempts to undermine the Government’s efforts to deliver a new deal for workers through the historic Employment Rights Bill.

“Making work pay and jobs more secure was clearly a key part of Labour’s manifesto, which was overwhelmingly supported by voters in last year’s landslide general election win. It ill becomes the Tories and Lib Dems to go against the expressed will of the people.”

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She added: “We hope that Lib Dem and Tory peers will hear our members’ concerns, recognise that the Government is not going to accept their amendments, do the right thing and stop undermining the vital changes in the Bill that will help bring fairness and security for workers, particularly for those currently on zero- and short-hour contracts.”

However, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC said: “Retailers will be very disappointed that Government has voted down the practical amendments laid down by the House of Lords, which would have maintained protections for workers while removing some of the risk of the Bill backfiring.

“Half of the three million people employed in retail work part-time. From those seeking flexibility to balance other commitments, such as being a parent or carer, to long-serving workers who have worked their way up to management roles with little or no qualifications. The flexibility of these jobs is also what supports so many people getting back into the workplace after a period of absence.”

She added: “The Bill’s aim to crack down on unscrupulous employers who do not treat their employees fairly is crucial, but the Government also needs to ensure it doesn’t punish responsible businesses and protects part-time employment opportunities.”