Martin McCluskey MP has welcomed Government plans to repeal the anti trade union Strike Act 2023, which sought to restrict the rights of people at work.

The Act – which introduced Minimum Service Levels – has never been used but increased tensions between public sector employers and unions at a time of growing industrial disputes. The Act will be repealed through Labour’s Employment Rights Act which is set to be introduced within the first 100 days of the Labour Government.

Martin McCluskey MP said:

“Relationships between many public sector employers and trade unions have been damaged by the last Conservative Government’s plans to introduce Minimum Service Levels.

“At a time when industrial disputes are growing what we need is constructive engagement between employers and unions, not empty threats from Government.

“This law was never used and only increased tensions. It is in the best interests of workers, employers and the wider public that there are good relations between employers and their trade unions.

“I welcome this move to turn the page on the Tory Government’s anti trade union laws, reset the relationship and work in a grown up and constructive way.”

Deputy Prime Minister 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.”

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“We need to get Britain’s economy moving again, deliver growth and the public services which taxpayers deserve.

“The Strikes Act has not worked- unbelievably the UK has lost more days due to strike action than France, costing the taxpayer billions of pounds, and these divisive laws haven’t resolved a single strike since they were introduced.

“By removing minimum service levels, we will reset industrial relations, so they are based on good faith negotiation and bargaining, ending the chaos and restoring trust in public services. This is about restoring politics as public service ensuring government acts to fix problems not cause them.”