Government introduces new “anti-striking laws” to be discussed in Parliament
The Government introduced the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill into Parliament on 10 January 2023. If brought into force, the bill will impose further restrictions on workers and unions in certain sectors intending to strike.
The bill requires a “minimum level of service” whereby employers can issue a “work notice” stating which workforce they need. The effect of this is that employees named on the work notice lose their right to protection from unfair dismissal if they go on strike.
The aim of the bill is to help reduce the amount of disruption to the public caused by staff striking. However, the bill has been criticised as significantly curtailing the right of workers to strike, and Labour have already indicated that, if the bill is made into law, they will repeal the new measures if they are elected into government.
The bill will impact the NHS, transport, education, fire and rescue, nuclear decommissioning and border security sectors and comes following the recent increase in industrial action taken.
The proposed “anti-strike laws” are in the early stages; the bill has only just been introduced into Parliament to be debated. However, if introduced, the proposed laws would significantly reduce the right of workers to strike in the impacted sectors and provide greater control to employers. The measures would likely reduce the number of strikes that take place in future in the affected sectors but exacerbate already strained employee relations.
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Opinion
Empowering your workforce: Key tips on adjustments for new starters
Press Release
Browne Jacobson and NHS Transformation Unit explore provider group models in new report
Legal Update
Expanding your private patients unit roundtable
Opinion
Duty of candour and patient safety incidents: Proposed amendments to CQC Regulations
On-Demand
Shaping a culture of respect and safety: Preventing sexual harassment in our schools
Legal Update
Top five takeaways for schools on the Employment Rights Bill
Legal Update
Building an inclusive workplace: strategies for attracting and retaining disabled talent
On-Demand
How schools can grapple with new employment law to thrive in a new era
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises The Jordon Group on transformative merger
Online Event - Shared Insights
Shared Insights: Have your say on the 10 Year Health Plan for England
Legal Update
Roundtable report: Community engagement in high street regeneration
Legal Update - Maternity services
MNSI annual report 2023/24: Key insights and future ambitions for maternity safety
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises UK’s leading fire protection specialist on key acquisition
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises IT solutions specialist on sale to Goldman Sachs-backed international digital transformation provider
Opinion
New Mental Health Bill to be introduced in Parliament
Online Event
EdCon 2025
Legal Update
Breaking the glass ceiling: Empowering female leadership in the food and drink sector
Opinion - Maternity services
Enhancing care for women with ectopic pregnancies: Insights from MBRRACE-UK
Guide
Guide to inquests for mental health patients
Legal Update
Ozempic: The rising costs and coverage issues of weight loss medication
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
What does the Employment Rights Bill mean for employment practices liability insurance?
Opinion - Employment Rights Bill
Beyond the Bill: Exploring the horizon of new employment rights and proposed measures
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
Labour’s employment law reforms: Employment Rights Bill unveiled
Legal Update
Expanding the role of school attendance mentors
Legal Update
ABC pilot: Improving maternity safety to prevent brain injuries in childbirth
Online Event
Managing safeguarding allegations against staff
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises UK climbing operator on sale to Belgian investment firm
Legal Update - Maternity services
DISCERN study published: How to improve discussions with families when things go wrong in maternity care
Legal Update
Organisational approaches to ESG and sustainability matters
Legal Update
Balancing acts: Navigating the complex risks in adult social care provision
Opinion
Lord Darzi’s report on the NHS in England and the future of mental health care
Legal Update
What the UK Covid-19 Inquiry means for higher education providers
Opinion
New anticipatory duty to prevent sexual harassment at work: final EHRC guidance published
Opinion
Employment tribunal case shines light on mistaken customer communications
Press Release
Browne Jacobson launches new HR services offering in health and social care
Press Release
Browne Jacobson and CBI roundtable explores how to finance public infrastructure post-PFI
Opinion
Navigating the new norms of flexible working and reasonable adjustments
Legal Update
Employment Healthcare Briefing: October 2024
Legal Update
What does the Supreme Court decision in Tesco v USDAW mean for NHS employers?
