The Government has been accused of launching an "ideological attack" on workers' rights as it seeks to navigate its controversial Trade Union Bill over its final Commons hurdle.

The Bill would make it harder for industrial action to go ahead by introducing a 50% turnout requirement for strike ballots.

Meanwhile, in certain public services at least 40% of the people entitled to vote would have to vote yes for action to go ahead.

The Bill has now returned to the House of Commons for report stage and third reading after it cleared its second reading in September.

Chris Stephens, the SNP's trade union spokesman, blasted the Bill as he introduced a number of amendments his party would like to make.

"This is an ideological attack against the largest group in civic society who stands up against exploitation," he said.

Proposed SNP and Plaid Cymru amendments would ensure that the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Northern Ireland Assembly, Mayor of London and other public bodies and local authorities would have final sign off on whether the Bill should actually be applied.

Mr Stephens said: "I think it is important that public bodies across the United Kingdom have their say and consent on whether this Bill and provisions of this Bill should be passed.

"I also believe that if any public body gives their consent, that consent could be taken away on a future occasion."

Joan Ryan, Labour MP for Enfield North, was equally critical of the Bill

"Trade unionists are real people and it's not just trade unions and trade unionists who object to this Bill," she said.

"The Government has significantly failed to secure any substantial employer support for these proposals."