The government has announced its intention to repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, a piece of legislation enacted by the previous Conservative government to restrict unions’ ability to strike. The act required various sectors to maintain a minimum level of service during industrial action.
The measure was introduced in response to a series of widespread strikes by public sector workers over pay, jobs, and working conditions. However, critics deemed it as anti-union, with the Labour party vowing to repeal the act if elected.
In line with their promise, the new government has unveiled plans to revoke the act through the Employment Rights Bill, which will be presented within the first 100 days of their term. According to government officials, the legislation failed to resolve any labor disputes and only served to escalate tensions. In fact, strikes in the NHS alone cost the country £1.7 billion last year.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated, “Attempting to suppress the fundamental right of working people has proven to be fruitless. This act unfairly targeted sectors dedicated to serving the public, and we are now abolishing it to establish a new partnership between businesses, trade unions, and workers through our New Deal.”
She added, “The repeal of this legislation is the first step in our plan to revamp industrial relations to better suit a modern economy.” Ms. Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have sent letters to government departments and organizations most affected by strikes, including education, health, transportation, the Home Office, energy, and the Welsh and Scottish governments. They have also reached out to all 12 metro mayors in the country to initiate discussions with local employers on the upcoming changes.
The decision to repeal the act is part of a broader effort to improve industrial relations, which are crucial in restoring trust and efficiency in public services and driving economic growth.
In the past two years, strikes have caused disruptions in the rail network, resulted in school closures, and led to the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of appointments and surgeries. In an attempt to resolve the long-standing dispute with junior doctors, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has offered a 22.3% pay increase over the next two years.
The government has promised a “New Deal for Working People,” which includes banning exploitative zero-hours contracts and eliminating “fire and rehire” practices.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak welcomed the move to repeal the “vindictive” MSLs, stating, “It is time for a new, mature era of industrial relations.” He also noted that not a single employer has issued a work notice to request staff to break a strike, further highlighting the counterproductive nature of the legislation.
However, Tory Shadow Business and Trade Secretary Kevin Hollinrake criticized Labour’s decision, accusing them of “surrendering to their union paymasters.” He added, “Our Minimum Service Levels Act was put in place to prioritize the interests of the British public and prevent militant unions from crippling vital services such as the railways, schools, and the NHS. By repealing it, Labour is putting emergency care and school operations at risk to appease the unions. It would be more prudent for Angela Rayner to address the pressing issues facing our country instead.”
