TUC calls on new Business Secretary to drop “draconian” anti-strikes bill

• Instead of attacking the right to strike ministers should be negotiating in good faith to resolve disputes, says union body

Commenting on the appointment of Kemi Badenoch to Secretary of State for Business and Trade, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“This is an opportunity for a much-needed reset.

“We urge Kemi Badenoch to immediately drop Grant Shapps’ draconian new anti-strikes laws.

“Instead of attacking the right to strike, ministers should be negotiating in good faith with unions to resolve the current disputes. Our doors remain open.

“And at a time when millions are trapped in insecure employment, we urgently need an employment bill to boost workers’ rights as promised in the Conservatives’ 2019 manifesto.

“But instead the government is railroading through new legislation that will threaten a host of vital workplace protections currently guaranteed under EU law – like holiday pay and safe working hours.

“The EU revocation bill should be consigned to the dustbin.”