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Local Government: Industrial Disputes

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 14 January 2026UIN 103286

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the repeal of the Trade Union Act 2016 on (a) the instances and duration of industrial action in local authorities and (b) disorder on municipal picket lines.

Answered by Kate Dearden

In October 2024 the government published impact assessments on the relevant trade union-related measures now in the Employment Rights Act 2025. The impact assessment covering the Act’s repeal of the Trade Union Act 2016 included an assessment of the expected impact on industrial action.

Local Authorities are independent employers responsible for managing industrial relations and industrial action risks.

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