Laura Sharman 27 May 2015

Queen's speech 2015: Tougher laws on strike action

The Conservatives have pledged to ‘protect essential public services against strikes’, using today’s Queen’s Speech to confirm it will set a tougher threshold for industrial action.

Under reforms to strike laws, the Government will ban strike action in health, education, fire and transport unless the majority of eligible union members vote in favour of striking, with at least 40% needing to take part in strike ballots.

In its manifesto, the Conservatives also said they would overturn restrictions banning employers from hiring agency staff to provide cover during strike action. It also pledged to reduce trade union facility time and legislate to ensure trade unions use a transparent opt-in process for union subscriptions.

The Enterprise Bill – intended to cut red tape for small businesses and drive forward economic growth – also outlines plans to improve the business rates system ahead of the planned reform in 2017 and measures to allow the Valuation Office Agency to share information with local government.

As confirmed earlier this week, the Government will also scrap six figures ‘golden goodbyes’ for public sector workers, expected to be set at £95,000.

Chancellor George Osborne said this measure would ensure ‘fairness and value for money for the taxpayer.’ In 2013, 1,838 public sector employees received redundancy payouts over £100,000.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner