If introduced, the law will enable employers to prevent strikes or seek damages after the event, but experts say this would be ‘legally complex’

The Government has announced plans for a Parliamentary bill it says will ensure vital public services maintain a “basic function” during industrial action.

The bill – dubbed the anti-strike law – which is due to go through Parliament in the coming weeks, will impact six key public services and see trade unions “bound to follow” the legislation in a bid to ensure minimum service levels and avoid a complete shutdown.

While it is yet to be formally announced, the Government release stated those who do not comply would be at risk of the employer bringing an injunction to prevent the strike from taking place, or seeking damages after the event if strikers and unions do not stick to their obligations.

However, Alexandra Mizzi, legal director at Howard Kennedy LLP, said the enforcement routes for employers “may not be very useful” as suing unions for damages would be “legally complex”.

Details on minimum safety levels for vital public services – including health, education, fire and rescue, transport, decommissioning of nuclear installations and management of radioactive waste and spent fuel and border security – would be determined on a consultation basis by “relevant Government departments”, it said.

But it has been confirmed these would be “in parallel” with the bill on ambulance, fire and rail services, and then set out in...

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