The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has reacted with fury to a report that an expected employment bill has been postponed despite anger over the sacking of hundreds of P&O workers.

TUC said dropping the bill from next month’s Queen’s speech would “betray” workers.

Unions have been pressing for the promised bill to be brought forward to improve workers’ rights. They believe it would help avoid a repeat of the sacking of almost 800 P&O Ferries seafarers.

The Financial Times reported that an employment bill is not expected to be in the Queen’s speech on 10 May, quoting government officials.

The TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady, said: “The prime minister promised to make Britain the best place to work in the world. Time and time again, he said he would bring in new laws to protect and enhance workers’ rights.

“But Boris Johnson looks to have broken his word yet again by failing to deliver the employment bill.

“Make no mistake – this would be a betrayal of working people. What happened at P&O should have marked a turning point for workers’ rights, but by abandoning the employment bill, the government is sending a message that it is happy for rogue employers to treat staff like dirt.

“We need action now to boost worker protections and stop exploitation like fire and rehire and zero-hours contracts.

“Tinkering around the edges with feeble statutory codes won’t have bad bosses quaking in their boots.”

The Labour deputy leader, Angela Rayner, accused the government of “breaking another promise”.

She tweeted: “The employment bill was proposed in the Queen’s speech THREE years ago after outrage over working conditions in UK factories and warehouses. After the scandal of P&O it’s even more urgent.”

The government has been approached for a comment.