Overview

This bill aims to set minimum service levels during strikes in essential public services. The bill has undergone several amendments regarding the level of consultation and parliamentary oversight required before these minimum service levels can be implemented.

Description

The core of the bill establishes the power for the government to set minimum service levels during strikes in key public sectors. However, the process for establishing these levels has been heavily debated. Several amendments were proposed and rejected, focusing on the need for sufficient consultation with unions, employers, and relevant stakeholders, as well as thorough impact assessments. The final version requires that before minimum service regulations can be introduced, the Secretary of State must:

• Publish draft regulations.
• Consult the International Labour Organisation and consider their advice.
• Conduct an impact assessment covering the effect on the general public, service conduct, and the right to strike.
• Consult with trade unions, employers, and other interested parties, specifically addressing the protection of workers and the reasonableness of union actions.
• Lay a report before Parliament on the ILO advice and consultations.
• Present the impact assessment and the report to a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament for review and publication of their findings.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly specify a new budget allocation. However, the implementation of minimum service levels may require additional funding for things such as staffing and contingency planning. The exact cost is currently unknown and subject to further detail from the government.

Groups Affected

• Trade Unions: Potentially restricted in their ability to take strike action due to minimum service level requirements. The level of consultation and oversight may influence their involvement in the process.
• Employers: May face increased costs associated with maintaining minimum service levels during strikes. Their input in consultation processes is crucial.
• Workers: May face challenges in balancing their right to strike with the imposed minimum service levels. There are also provisions concerning the protection of workers within the legislation.
• General Public: May experience reduced disruption to essential services during strikes, but this comes at the cost of potentially limiting the effectiveness of industrial action.
• Parliament: Increased scrutiny and oversight responsibilities concerning the legislation and associated reports.

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