Employment Rights Bill Report Stage: New Schedule 2

On 12 March 2025, MPs voted to add a new schedule to the Employment Rights Bill that amends trade union recognition rules under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. The motion was moved by minister Justin Madders and passed by 333 votes to 100. The vote took place during the Bill's Report Stage, the phase at which MPs debate and vote on specific amendments to a piece of legislation before it moves to the House of Lords. The new schedule adjusts the statutory framework for collective bargaining recognition, making it easier for trade unions to gain formal recognition by employers. This sits within the Bill's broader package of labour market reforms, which also includes day-one unfair dismissal rights, guaranteed-hours contracts for zero and low-hours workers, restrictions on fire and rehire practices, and the consolidation of enforcement bodies into a new Fair Work Agency. Together, these measures represent a substantial shift in the balance of workplace rights in Great Britain. Labour MPs voted unanimously in favour, joined by the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru, the Greens, and most independents. Conservatives, Reform UK, and the Democratic Unionist Party voted against. There were no significant cross-party rebellions. The vote is part of a sustained divide over the Bill, which the government presents as delivering its "Make Work Pay" agenda while Conservative opponents argue it will deter investment and harm small businesses and workers who prefer flexible arrangements.