Unions have welcomed proposals for a series of concessions to the Trade Union Bill, including plans to consult with Scottish ministers on several key aspects of the legislation.
The Bill has been met with fierce opposition north of the border from both unions and political parties.
A leaked letter from Westminster Skills Minister Nick Boles sets out a series of concessions including consulting the Scottish Government on the requirement for a 40% support threshold for strike action in important public services, facility time - time spent on union activities - and check-off - arrangements for collecting union subs from salaries.
In addition, if this does not prove to be a sufficient safeguard, Mr Boles said he proposed disapplying the ban on check-off to devolved public services in Scotland and Wales.
The letter was leaked to Socialist Worker amid speculation ministers expect the House of Lords to defeat parts of the Bill.
It also includes proposed concessions around issues such as the need for a picket supervisor to wear an armband, increasing the notice period for strikes from seven to 14 days and whether unions should be allowed to conduct e-ballots for strikes.
Lynn Henderson, Public and Commercial Services union national officer, said: "While we welcome this significant change which has come about as a consequence of a massive campaign across the trade union and Labour movement with growing numbers saying they will defy these attacks on trade unions, this will not stop us from campaigning against the trade union Bill.
"As the Bill is about to be scrutinised further by the House of Lords we will continue to put pressure on peers to oppose all aspects of the legislation."
Scottish Trades Union Congress general secretary Grahame Smith said: "This letter reveals a Government which has seriously over-stepped itself on trade-union rights and the principles of devolution.
"Our campaign to ensure that significant sections of the Bill do not apply to devolved government is making serious inroads and we are grateful to all the Scottish political parties who have united with us in opposition to the Bill.
"The clause on check-off should be disapplied across the UK not just for Scotland and Wales, but it is of some relief that our members will be entitled to pay their dues in the most straightforward way.
"However, the central elements of this nasty and ideological attack on our members' rights are still in this Bill. We are, therefore, still committed to using every available means to defeat it."
SNP MP Chris Stephens said: "This letter is further evidence that the Tories' draconian Trade Union Bill is rapidly crumbling under pressure and this regressive legislation has no place in modern day Scotland.
"It shows that the Tories are desperately trying to make concessions and amendments in the face of defeats to this unnecessary and unwanted legislation.
"The Trade Union Bill as it stands will destroy industrial relations across the country, which is why the SNP is determined to protect the rights of all workers in Scotland and will continue to oppose this legislation.
"If the Tories are willing to exempt Scotland and Wales from certain provisions in the Bill then they should also be prepared to scrap the whole thing completely."
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