A BILL to boost protections against “fire and rehire” tactics passed unopposed in its third reading at the House of Lords today.

Former trade union leader turned Labour peer Lord Woodley put forward the private member’s Bill targeting the “despicable” practice.

The Employment and Trade Union Rights (Dismissal and Re-Engagement Bill) aims to provide safeguards for workers against dismissal and re-engagement on inferior terms and conditions.

It would compel bosses to carry out a full consultation on contract changes and hand over any information needed for it.

Lord Woodley told peers: “‘Fire and rehire’ is a despicable tactic used by the unscrupulous employers to rip-off workers, to cut costs and to boost profits, notwithstanding the very rare occasions where it may be necessary, as a last resort, to ensure the company’s survival.

“That’s why it gives me so much pleasure to see this Bill make progress in this house and I warmly welcome the cross-party support it has secured.”

He added: “I would like to thank my union, Unite, for blowing the whistle on this abusive practice back in 2020 as hugely, hugely profitable corporations used the Covid pandemic as cover to undermine workers’ pay and terms and conditions.”

Lord Woodley, who was general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G) from 2004 to 2007 and went on to be joint general secretary of Unite after its merger with Amicus, also thanked the more than 20 unions and the Labour Party for backing the fight against “fire and rehire.”

Now set for the Commons, Labour MP Barry Gardiner is expected to take up the mantle and face resistance to the Bill from the government.