Strike laws: Government publishes Trade Union Bill and opens consultations (News, 15 July 2015)

Article summary

The Trade Union Bill has today been published by the Government. The proposed Bill requires that: (1) at least 50% of those entitled to vote must take part in a ballot for industrial action, (2) at least 40% of those entitled to vote must support industrial action in certain important public services, and (3) at least two weeks’ notice of industrial action must be given to the employer. It also sets a four-month time limit on a mandate following a ballot for industrial action. The Government has today also opened consultations on the 40% ballot threshold in important public services; tackling intimidation of non-striking workers and the repeal of a ban on the use of agency workers. The three consultations will run until 9 September 2015. UPDATE: On 30 July 2015 BIS published a policy paper addressing issues arising under the EHCR in relation to the Trade Union Bill. On 10 September 2015 BIS published its equality analysis...