Plans to curb public sector strikes

12 January 2015

According to a BBC report, The Conservative Party says it will make it harder to call strikes in certain "core" public services if it wins the general election.

Under the plans, a strike affecting health, transport, fire services or schools would need the backing of 40% of eligible union members.

Currently, a strike is valid if backed by a simple majority of those balloted.

The Tories have already proposed a minimum 50% turnout in strike ballots, which unions say is "anti-democratic".

They would also end a ban on using agency staff to cover for striking workers, impose a three-month time limit after a ballot for action to take place and curbs on picketing.

The package of measures will feature in the party's manifesto for May's general election