Menu
10/09/2015
Govt Proposal On Trade Union Laws 'Waste Of Police Time'
New restrictions on trade union protests are a waste of police time, according to a new poll commissioned by the TUC.
The poll, carried out by YouGov, found that more than 77% of the public, and 69% of Conservative voters, believe making it compulsory for unions to give two weeks' notice if they intend to use a loudspeaker or carry a banner during a strike is a "bad use of police time".
A similar number, 72%, believe forcing unions to submit what they are planning to post on Facebook, Twitter and on blogs during a strike two weeks in advance to the police would be a "bad use of police time".
Under government proposals, if unions breach this rule they could be hit with financial penalties of up to £20,000.
The findings come as the government prepares to bring its Trade Union Bill before parliament for its second reading.
The bill was criticised earlier this week by human rights groups as "a major attack on civil liberties in the UK".
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: "These findings should be a wake-up call to ministers. The public want the police to be out catching criminals not wasting valuable time and resources supervising peaceful picket lines and social media accounts.
"The government's Trade Union Bill is an attack on the right to strike and will worsen industrial relations. People are rightly concerned that union members will be victimised for taking action to defend their pay and conditions.
"It is great that the public can see through ministers' rhetoric and recognise how unfair and unnecessary these proposals are."
(MH)
The poll, carried out by YouGov, found that more than 77% of the public, and 69% of Conservative voters, believe making it compulsory for unions to give two weeks' notice if they intend to use a loudspeaker or carry a banner during a strike is a "bad use of police time".
A similar number, 72%, believe forcing unions to submit what they are planning to post on Facebook, Twitter and on blogs during a strike two weeks in advance to the police would be a "bad use of police time".
Under government proposals, if unions breach this rule they could be hit with financial penalties of up to £20,000.
The findings come as the government prepares to bring its Trade Union Bill before parliament for its second reading.
The bill was criticised earlier this week by human rights groups as "a major attack on civil liberties in the UK".
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: "These findings should be a wake-up call to ministers. The public want the police to be out catching criminals not wasting valuable time and resources supervising peaceful picket lines and social media accounts.
"The government's Trade Union Bill is an attack on the right to strike and will worsen industrial relations. People are rightly concerned that union members will be victimised for taking action to defend their pay and conditions.
"It is great that the public can see through ministers' rhetoric and recognise how unfair and unnecessary these proposals are."
(MH)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 September 2015
Parliament To Debate Trade Union Bill
The government's proposed Trade Union Bill is to undergo its second reading in the Commons today, during which MPs will debate the proposals.
Parliament To Debate Trade Union Bill
The government's proposed Trade Union Bill is to undergo its second reading in the Commons today, during which MPs will debate the proposals.
31 July 2014
Fire Brigade Union Announce 8 Days Of Strikes
The Fire Brigade Union has announced a new series of strikes in England and Wales to begin on 9th August. Firefighters will strike for "a few hours" for eight consecutive days, the union said. The strike action is the latest in an ongoing dispute over government plans to cut pensions and extend the retirement age.
Fire Brigade Union Announce 8 Days Of Strikes
The Fire Brigade Union has announced a new series of strikes in England and Wales to begin on 9th August. Firefighters will strike for "a few hours" for eight consecutive days, the union said. The strike action is the latest in an ongoing dispute over government plans to cut pensions and extend the retirement age.
08 December 2004
UK-wide rise in time taken to save for first house
It takes first time buyers six months longer to save for a house deposit when compared to the first quarter of 2004 and one year nine months longer than in 1994.
UK-wide rise in time taken to save for first house
It takes first time buyers six months longer to save for a house deposit when compared to the first quarter of 2004 and one year nine months longer than in 1994.
16 September 2015
Unite Put Govt 'On Notice' Over Trade Union Bill
The UK's largest union has put the government "on notice", that it would defy the Trade Union Bill "using any means necessary to defend the democratic rights and freedoms of all trade unionists and the working people of our nation".
Unite Put Govt 'On Notice' Over Trade Union Bill
The UK's largest union has put the government "on notice", that it would defy the Trade Union Bill "using any means necessary to defend the democratic rights and freedoms of all trade unionists and the working people of our nation".
05 September 2007
Commuters Face Further Tube Delays
Commuters in London are still facing travel misery on the Tube, despite the fact that a 72-hour strike by maintenance workers has been called off. The RMT union called off the strike action, which began at 6pm on Monday and involved around 2,300 employees, following talks with London Underground officials.
Commuters Face Further Tube Delays
Commuters in London are still facing travel misery on the Tube, despite the fact that a 72-hour strike by maintenance workers has been called off. The RMT union called off the strike action, which began at 6pm on Monday and involved around 2,300 employees, following talks with London Underground officials.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
