Consultation outcome

Ballot thresholds in important public services

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government
This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Detail of outcome

The response document sets out which ‘important public sectors’ will be subject to the 40% threshold. The government will bring forward secondary legislation to define these services.

We will also:

  • remove the broad reference to ancillary workers in the Trade Union Bill
  • apply the 40% threshold to private sector union members, where they are carrying out a specified important public service
  • require ballots to be run under the 40% threshold where a majority of workers involved are carrying out an important public service

Detail of feedback received

205 responses were received from a wide range of organisations including:

  • trade unions
  • private individuals
  • public service providers
  • law firms and representatives of the legal profession
  • employers

Original consultation

Summary

We’re seeking your views on what occupations should be included in the 40% important public services ballot threshold.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

The government is introducing a new 40% ballot threshold for taking industrial action in important public services. This means industrial action in those areas will need the support of at least 40% of those entitled to vote.

This consultation seeks evidence on whom within the fire, health, education, transport, border security, and nuclear decommissioning sectors should be subject to the new threshold.

Documents

Ballot thresholds in important public services

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Ballot thresholds in important public services: impact assessment

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Updates to this page

Published 15 July 2015
Last updated 21 January 2016 + show all updates
  1. Added government response.

  2. First published.

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