Government reveals plan to restrict strikes across NHS, rail and schools

Unions vow to ‘fiercely resist’ move to enforce minimum coverage in six key sectors

The government is pressing ahead with plans to introduce new legislation for minimum safety levels during industrial action.

The government has proposed the anti-strike measures which could let employers sue trade unions and sack workers if “minimum safety levels” are not upheld during industrial action in six key sectors.

Minimum service levels during any strikes in the NHS, rail, education, fire, border security and nuclear energy will be enforced through legislation to be introduced within weeks, business secretary Grant Shapps announced.