08 December 2016

The Welsh Assembly’s Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee has given prior notice that it intends to consult on changes to parts of the Trade Union Act 2016 before implementation in Wales.

In a letter distributed yesterday, Chair of the Committee John Griffiths, said: “In the First Minister’s statement on the Government’s Legislative Programme on 28 June 2016, he indicated his intention to introduce legislation to repeal sections of the UK Government’s Trade Union Act 2016 in devolved areas.

“Subject to the introduction of the Bill as planned, and the subsequent referral of the Bill to the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee for consideration, we will issue an open call for evidence on the general principles of the Bill.”

First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones said in June that he would legislate to repeal the sections of the Act that apply to public sector workers, arguing that the restrictions placed on these employees would affect the quality of public service in Wales.

Under the new act, Public Sector Workers will have to reach a higher support threshold to take industrial action, trade union representatives risk having their facility time cut if the Secretary of State deems it necessary, and trade unions will have to pay for check-off arrangements.

In March, Jones described these laws as “draconian” and predicted they would “lead to a confrontational relationship between employers and workforce” that could be “damaging” to the delivery of public services.