The government has U-turned on its promise to protect workers from unfair dismissal from day one in a job.
In a watering down of one of the key measures in the Employment Rights Bill, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal will now be six months - down from 24 months currently.
Labour wanted to bring in protections from day one in the job but faced opposition from some businesses.
There will also be no statutory probation period and workers will still get sick pay from day one in the job and paternity leave from April next year.
Ministers said reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal was a "workable package" that will "benefit millions of working people who will gain new rights and offer business and employers much needed clarity".
However, unions reacted angrily to the announcement, with the TUC appearing to suggest that the House of Lords should oppose the change an "respect Labour's manifesto mandate".
Paul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, said: "The Employment Rights Bill is essential to better quality, more secure jobs for millions of workers across the economy.
"The absolute priority now is to get these rights - like day one sick pay - on the statute book so that working people can start benefitting from them from next April.
"Following the government's announcement, it is now vital that peers respect Labour's manifesto mandate and that this Bill secures Royal Assent as quickly as possible."