Labour scraps 'gimmicky' anti-strike law in overhaul of workers' rights

The government is set to initiate the process of overturning anti-trade union laws in the coming days, as revealed by the Observer. Ministers have been instructed to disregard a key measure passed by the Conservatives as part of a broader "reset" of industrial relations in the UK.

In the initial phase, departments will be instructed to overlook a law passed last year aimed at compelling workers in various sectors to provide a minimum level of service during strikes. Described as a "pointless gimmick" by ministers, the legislation was intended to restrict the rights of workers in border security, ambulance services, fire and rescue, teaching, and rail services to engage in industrial action.

The laws are scheduled to be formally repealed later this year, as pledged in Labour's first legislative agenda since assuming power. However, cabinet ministers in relevant departments will be advised this week to dismiss the "minimum service levels" provisions, which the new government views as ineffective and provocative.

According to insiders, the new law has not been utilised to settle any disputes thus far, with the UK experiencing more strike days than France due to an "adversarial approach" over several years. A memo from Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasises that the measure should not be enforced. Rayner criticised the legislation for souring industrial relations without ever being put into practice.

"We are consigning it to history," she stated. "Getting rid of this detrimental legislation is our initial step towards ending the confrontational approach that has hindered negotiation and compromise in resolving disputes and averting disruptions.

"This government's new strategy aims to establish a fresh partnership between businesses, trade unions, and workers, essential to our growth agenda."

The government intends to launch a broader overhaul of industrial relations, viewing it as a pivotal component of its efforts to enhance public services and stimulate economic growth.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has made efforts to resolve the longstanding dispute with junior doctors by proposing a deal that could result in a 22.3% increase in their wages over two years. Junior doctors' leaders in England have agreed to a new pay agreement with the government, subject to member approval. Chancellor Rachel Reeves also granted public sector workers an above-inflation pay rise following the recommendations of independent pay bodies last week.

This move is likely to face opposition from certain employers' groups and Conservative leadership contenders. Despite senior Conservatives arguing that the measure was necessary following widespread industrial action in various sectors amid high inflation and declining living standards, ministers highlight that employers have never utilised these powers. Although the train operator London North Eastern Railway initially indicated its intent to employ the new laws earlier this year, it retracted the threat after the train drivers' union Aslef threatened to extend a one-day strike by an additional five days.

"This marks a significant step in resetting our government's relationship with trade unions," a Whitehall source remarked. "This legislation was ineffective, unused, unwanted by businesses, and yet we still experienced more strike days than France or Spain."

Research by the Trades Union Congress revealed that approximately one-fifth of workers in the UK - around 5.5 million individuals - could lose their right to strike as a consequence of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act. The formal repeal of this act will be included in the government's forthcoming workers' rights legislation, to be introduced within its first 100 days. Reynolds stated that abolishing the anti-strike law is an initial move towards restoring public services to a functional state. He added, "As a service-oriented government, we are ushering in a new and mature approach to industrial relations."

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