The Government are set to deliver a manifesto promise of making significant changes to the strike laws that are in place in the UK.
In a move that has been welcomed by many businesses, the government are set to place a turnout quota on any ballot action in order to prevent unpopular, and in the eyes of many, unlawful strikes. It is proposed that under government plans, a strike affecting essential public services will need the backing of 40% of eligible union members, with a turnout of at least 50%.
Major sectors such as health, education and transport will need an even higher turnout in order to take legal industrial action.
Under current law, strikes are in place if the majority vote in favour, regardless of turnout.
Significant Changes to Aid Business
Business secretary Sajid Javid said: "We've already made clear, in terms of strike laws, that there will be some significant changes. It will be a priority of ours.
"We need to update our strike laws. We've never hidden away the changes we want to make. I think it's essential to make these changes."
The move which has been criticised by Trade Unions will lift restrictions on the use of agency staff to replace striking workers.
Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-general, said: "The introduction of a threshold is an important - but fair - step to rebalance the interests of employers, employees, the public and the rights of trade unions.
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