Political opinion: Workers Party representatives 'disappointed' that one day protection from unfair dismissal will be changed to six months' service

However, Mr McGuire said although this was disappointing it was still an improvement on the existing provision.

He said: "There are still many positives for workers and trade unions with the removal of some of the anti-trade union legislation that is in place at the minute. The end to exploitation through zero hour contracts, and precarious employment will be ended, including for agency workers.

"The right to request two periods of flexible working in a 12-month period without providing explanation is an important change that will benefit many workers. Mandatory menopause action plans will be introduced.

"Gender pay gap mandatory reporting will be introduced and if implemented in full should create the opportunity to remove this long standing discrimination against women workers. But it must be more than a tick box exercise, the equal pay act introduced decades ago was not monitored or implemented and women have lost out on pay and promotions.

"New rights for union representatives should make it easier to organise in the workplace and changes to anti trade union laws is long overdue. The right to organise is an important right for workers and the trade unions. The obligations to consult and notify on collective redundancies will be strengthened and will ensure that workers are protected."

He added: "I hope there are no other changes to the Bill despite the heavy lobbying by employers organisations and amendments by the Tories and Lib Dems."