The government has confirmed it is repealing a piece of legislation that limited the ability of unions to strike.
The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 compelled various sectors to provide a minimum level of service in the event of industrial action.
The Act enabled bosses in health, education, fire, ambulance, rail and nuclear commissioning to sue unions and sack employees if the specified “levels” were not met.
The government insists the legislation has not been used and has “only inflamed tensions” with unions. No employer has issued a work notice forcing somebody into work as a result of the law.
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The government has said it will unpick the Act — deemed to be ineffective, inflammatory and anti-union — through the new Employment Rights Bill, which will be introduced in the first 100 days of government.
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds have written to the education, health, transport, energy, Welsh, Scottish and home departments to confirm the government does not support the minimum service levels rules.
All 12 metro mayors have also been informed of the planned changes.
Commenting on the announcement, Angela Rayner said: “Attempting to clamp down on the fundamental freedom of working people has got us nowhere, and this was targeted at sectors who dedicate their lives to serving us all.
“That’s why we’re scrapping this pointless law and creating a new partnership between business, trade unions and working people through our new deal.
“Repealing this legislation is the first part of our plan to reset industrial relations so they are fit for a modern economy.”
Wes Streeting, the health and social care secretary, said: “This Act failed to resolve devastating strikes which led to cancelled operations and cost the NHS billions.
“But this government engaged meaningfully with the BMA Junior Doctors’ Committee from day one, and agreed an offer in just over three weeks – paving the way to end strikes.
“Scrapping minimum service levels marks another significant step in resetting relationships with staff, as we fix the broken health service.”
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