The government has announced its intention to repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, aiming to restore public services and enhance workers’ rights. This repeal will be part of the Employment Rights Bill, set to be introduced within the first 100 days of the new Government.

The Act, which mandated minimum service levels during strikes in critical sectors such as health, transport, education, fire and rescue, border control, and nuclear decommissioning, allows employers to issue ‘work notices’ to ensure that a specified number of employees continued to work during strikes to maintain essential services.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have communicated this decision to relevant government departments and metro mayors, stressing the importance of engaging with trade unions. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the Act’s failure to resolve strikes in the NHS, which cost the taxpayer £1.7bn last year.

The repeal is seen as a step towards resetting industrial relations and fostering a modern economy that prioritises fair negotiation and public service.