Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill Becomes Law
After a turbulent passage through Parliament, the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill has now received Royal Assent.
New Powers
The Act introduces new powers for the Business Secretary to make regulations specifying minimum service levels to be maintained in defined sectors during strike action. The affected sectors include education, health, fire and rescue and transport. The Government's aim in making this new law is to safeguard essential public services during strikes.
Controversy and Debate
Since it was introduced earlier this year as a parliamentary Bill, the Act has been the subject of significant controversy and debate. At times it was unclear whether the Act would succeed through parliament. However, the Government has now promised to introduce a statutory code of practice to explain the obligations of trade unions under the Act, and specifically how a trade union will be able to show it has taken 'reasonable steps' to ensure worker comply with a work notice.
Consultation
The Government has confirmed that it will launch a consultation on the proposed code of practice. Although the exact duration of this consultation period remains uncertain, the Government has indicated that it will open this summer.