It was revealed today that government departments have been instructed not to implement the Minimum Service Levels Act.
The legislation, which came into force last year, could allow employers in six key industries - fire and rescue, health, education, border security, transport and nuclear decomissioning - to force some workers to attend work even when they have a democratic mandate for strike action.
Devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales had already refused to implement the law, and it does not apply to Northern Ireland.
Labour has committed to repealing the Act entirely, alongside the 2016 Trade Union Act.
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:
“This move marks the beginning of the end of the authoritarian Minimum Service Levels Act. While it is not yet off the statute book, the government has made it clear to all public sector employers that they should not issue work notices. Every employer must comply, and the Fire Brigades Union is seeking reassurances to this effect.
“Like all anti-union laws, the Minimum Service Levels Act is designed to prevent workers from standing up for pay, conditions and the services the public relies on. In the fire and rescue service, it amounted to a de facto strike ban across England.
“Angela Rayner’s letter is a welcome interim measure. The Fire Brigades Union looks forward to the government delivering on its promise to repeal the Act entirely, along with the 2016 Trade Union Act. We will not rest until all of the anti-union laws are scrapped.”
