UK Government Plans to Repeal Anti-Strike Laws

The UK government is set to repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, which imposed minimum service requirements during strikes in essential sectors like health and education. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds criticized the law as ineffective and inflammatory, asserting it had not been utilized successfully by employers. The repeal will be part of a new Employment Rights Bill to be introduced within the first 100 days of the government's tenure, aimed at fostering better industrial relations and protecting workers' rights. Critics, however, raise concerns that dismantling these restrictions could lead to significant disruptions in public services, risking staff shortages in the NHS and chaos in transport sectors. The government plans to also address broader employment rights, including abolishing zero-hour contracts and enhancing sick pay access. Both supporters and detractors acknowledge that while the repeal may improve negotiations, it could also lead to increased industrial action and service interruptions.