EXTRA union powers against fire and rehire, moves to widen collective bargaining and gig economy crackdown were submitted as amendments to the Employment Rights Bill today.

Andy McDonald MP, former shadow secretary of state employment rights and author of the New Deal for Working People, submitted 18 amendments before MPs scrutinise the landmark legislation line by line next week.

Unions on Tuesday largely welcomed government amendments to the Bill which would see agency workers included in a crackdown on zero-hours contracts, regulation of umbrella companies and moves to “align” trade unions with modern work practices and extend statutory sick pay.

Unite however said that it is a “mistake” for ministers to omit an outright ban on fire and rehire, with GMB calling the Bill “far from perfect.”

Mr McDonald’s amendments would clarify a gig economy worker’s status of employment, ensuring they don’t lose rights when they work through personal service or umbrella companies.

The government has said that it will consult in the coming years before moving on the issue.

He also called for trade unions to be given powers to apply for legal injunctions to prevent mass fire and rehirings taking effect.

The MP proposed that the Bill allows for a sectoral collective bargaining to be established outside of adult social care, which is currently in the legislation.

He urged the government to take his amendments on board as: “I am concerned that we counter the possibility of the sorts of exploitation such as were seen at Uber, Deliveroo, Hermes-Evri, Amazon and P&O, in recent years.

“These were all abuses I sought to deal with when I drafted the shadow employment rights green paper — the New Deal for Working People. 

“So, it’s vital that we do all we can to close these potential loopholes, preventing unfair employment practices, and ensuring a level playing field at work for unions to represent employees.”

Institute of Employment Rights (IER) director James Harrison said: “The IER has had concerns that there are many trap doors for bad bosses to exploit within the Bill as it stands.

“The amendments put forward by Andy McDonald MP are careful, considered and very much needed.

“They are a good step in the right direction towards tightening up the Bill to make it fit for purpose, and deliver more effectively for workers.”