PM eyes law against 'industrial intimidation' after Grangemouth

The Government may bring in a new law to prevent "industrial intimidation" following the bitter dispute at the Grangemouth petrochemicals plant in Scotland, David Cameron said today.

He told MPs he was shocked by allegations the children of bosses at Ineos had seen "wanted" posters put through their letter boxes, while their neighbours had been told they were "evil".

A Downing Street source said the "leverage" strategy allegedly used by the Unite union was "a new form of industrial dispute beyond the simple withdrawal of labour." He added: "This was a very deliberate strategy to disrupt the economy and to disrupt people's lives. We are considering what we can do about it."

A Unite spokesman said: "All Unite organised protests have been lawful. None has breached the right of privacy. All have been conducted silently when at a place of residence. No-one, least of all children, has been intimidated."

Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, who is responsible for industrial relations laws, has agreed to the review, believing that the dispute raised real issues. But he will insist on any changes being proportionate and based on need, and will not allow them to become a political attack Labour or the unions.