Government response to the consultation on ballot thresholds in important public services

The government has consulted on which important public services should be covered by the new thresholds. Having analysed more than 200 responses to the consultation, the government has found evidence of public service users being significantly disrupted by strikes. The Department now sets out which "important public sectors" will be subject to the 40% threshold. It states that it will also: remove the broad reference to ancillary workers in the Trade Union Bill 2015; apply the 40% threshold to private sector union members, where they are carrying out a specified important public service; and require ballots to be run under the 40% threshold where a majority of workers involved are carrying out an important public service.