Workers could get right to strike for a year

The government is currently exploring the possibility of allowing workers more time to organize strikes, potentially extending the duration of strike mandates from six months to a full year. This proposal comes in light of a consultation document that indicates extending the mandate could help alleviate administrative burdens for unions, given that they are “very likely” to succeed in a second ballot.

In recent years, various sectors, including railway staff, train drivers, doctors, and teachers, have participated in walkouts, contributing to a staggering loss of over 5.7 million working days—the highest in three decades. Ministers argue that this change could foster a more collaborative relationship between unions and employers, thereby reducing the necessity for industrial actions.

Additionally, the government is considering removing the requirement that 50% of the workforce must participate in voting for strikes. For critical public services, such as the NHS, there currently exists a rule mandating that 40% of the workforce must approve industrial action for it to proceed.

The BBC has reached out to the Conservative Party for their take on the new proposals. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner asserted that the government’s Employment Rights Bill is intended to “repeal the anti-worker, anti-union laws” and pave the way for improved industrial relations. However, the specifics of the proposed reforms are still under development, leaving some uncertainty around their practical application.

Former Conservative Shadow Business Secretary Kevin Hollinrake has called on the government to reconsider the Employment Rights Bill, claiming it poses an “existential crisis of a magnitude not seen since the pandemic” for jobs and businesses alike. According to a government analysis released recently, the plans championed by Labour to enhance workers’ rights could incur costs of up to £5 billion per year for businesses.