50% Threshold For Strikes Proposed

Half of all union members will have to participate in ballots before a strike can take place, under new reforms announced by the Tories.

The UK Government also wants 40% of workers in key sectors like the emergency services to agree to industrial action before it can go ahead. If passed, new legislation would provide stringent scrutiny of subsidies for unions.

In addition, they're calling for union members to be given a choice on whether their subscriptions fund political parties.

The Conservatives are also calling for a 4 month time limit for industrial action, and for greater scrutiny over subsidies for trade unions.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Trade unions have a constructive role to play in representing their members’ interests but our one nation government will balance their rights with those of working people and business.

"These changes are being introduced so that strikes only happen when a clear majority of those entitled to vote have done so and all other possibilities have been explored. This will deliver a key commitment we made in our Manifesto."

Consultations on the proposed introduction of a 40% threshold for important public sectors; reforming and modernising the rules and code of practice on picketing and protests linked to industrial disputes, and for the repeal of a ban on the use of agency workers open today on Gov.UK and will be open until September.