With critical details missing from the workers' rights bill, the big battles are yet to come

Will the employment rights bill be passed by Christmas?

- Nils Pratley

Well, the chances are slightly improved after six leading business groups published a temperaturelowering letter yesterday that said parliament, which in this instance means the blockers in the House of Lords, should get on with it.The employers, note, are still unhappy about the issue that triggered the most recent revolt by Conservative peers and a few cross-benchers: the removal of a cap on compensation claims for unfair dismissal. But they are more worried that further delays would jeopardise their negotiating victory last month, namely the government’s U-turn on rights guaranteeing workers protection against unfair dismissal from day one. A six-month qualifying period was adopted instead, with the blessing of the TUC, which was similarly motivated by trying to get the bill over the line quickly.