An anti-strike law could be introduced while the government tries to end the controversies Trade unions

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The anti-strike law is expected to be introduced later this week as Rishi Sunak’s government seeks to bring the ongoing industrial disputes under control.

The prime minister will announce legislation to impose “minimum service levels” in six sectors, including health services, railways, education, fire and border security. It is also understood that ministers are considering introducing laws allowing bosses to sue unions and sack employees if minimum levels are not met.

Union members who are required to work under minimum service requirements but refuse to do so could lose their jobs, the Times first reported. There are also likely to be stricter thresholds for an industrial strike.

A source told the newspaper: “This legislation will remove legal immunity for strikes in which unions fail to carry out a minimum service. Strikes will be illegal. Eventually people can be fired for breach of contract.”

Any minimum levels of service must be agreed between the unions and the government, but in the end ministers can impose specific levels, if both sides fail to reach an agreement.

Government sources have already said that another legislative campaign against the strike will be announced within days – although they stopped short of committing to introducing the new law next week when Parliament returns.

Speaking on Wednesday, Sunak said “the right to strike must be balanced with the right of the British people to be able to get on with their lives without suffering wholly needless,” and said the new laws would restore balance.

Sources are more optimistic a deal can be struck with the railway workers, despite waves of strikes coming across other sectors including the NHS where there is much less chance of a deal being struck.

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Other measures said to be under discussion include doubling the minimum notice period for a strike to 28 days from 14 currently, as well as reducing the six-month limit after a successful ballot.

Even if the legislation does come before the House of Commons next week, it is unlikely to be implemented before the summer due to expected delays in the House of Commons and the House of Lords – and then the law is likely to be challenged by unions in court.

A government spokesperson told The Times: “Ministers continue to explore further measures to help reduce disruption and protect the public but no decisions have been taken.

“Any legislation we put forward will aim to protect the rights of the public to go about their daily lives and maintain their safety, while recognizing the rights of workers to strike.

“It is not our intention to penalize individuals for striking and we will make that clear; it is about ensuring that the public can expect essential services to be protected while on strike.”

It comes as rail services have been hit by a 24-hour strike by Aslef members at 15 train operators, caught between two 48-hour strikes by RMT rail workers this week.

The predecessor’s general secretary, Mick Whelan, said a first meeting with Railways Minister Huw Merriman is scheduled for Monday next week. “Hopefully he can move this forward,” he said. “But there is no show that solves this tomorrow.”

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