The Anglican Church unveiled plans to endow members of the clergy with the same labour rights as lay workers -- except the right to a day of rest on Sunday.
Under the plans, Anglican priests and vicars would be able to claim compensation for dismissal, as well as annual paid leave, parental leave and access to a labour tribunal.
The proposal will be put to the vote during an Anglican Church synod, or governing council, in February, then submitted for approval by parliament.
Members of the Anglican clergy have until now been denied conventional labour rights, on the grounds that they work in the service of God rather than for a physical employer.
They will however still be expected to work on the traditional Christian day of rest, Sunday.
Chris Ball, spokesman for the Amicus union, which has been fighting for an overhaul of work conditions in the Church, said the proposals represented a welcome improvement, but did not go far enough.
"It's a huge step for a badly treated group of people, but still compared to other workers it's second best," he said.
For example, he said, office holders will continue to work without a contract of employment, which leaves them without remedy in case of breach of contract.