Government advises public sector employers not to enforce the Minimum Service Levels Act

The UK government has instructed public sector employers not to enforce the Minimum Service Levels Act, which came into force last year.

This legislation affects six key industries, including fire and rescue, health, education, border security, transport, and nuclear decommissioning.

The Act allows employers to mandate some workers to attend work during strikes.

The devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales had previously refused to implement the law, and it does not apply to Northern Ireland.

Labour has committed to repealing the Act and the 2016 Trade Union Act.

Fire Brigades Union response

Matt Wrack, the Fire Brigades Union general secretary, welcomed the government’s move, stating: “This move marks the beginning of the end of the authoritarian Minimum Service Levels Act.

“While it is not yet off the statute book, the government has made it clear to all public sector employers that they should not issue work notices.

“Every employer must comply, and the Fire Brigades Union is seeking reassurances to this effect.”

Wrack criticised the Act, saying: “Like all anti-union laws, the Minimum Service Levels Act is designed to prevent workers from standing up for pay, conditions, and the services the public relies on.

“In the fire and rescue service, it amounted to a de facto strike ban across England.”

Political commitments and future actions

Angela Rayner’s letter, seen as a positive interim measure by the Fire Brigades Union, reinforces Labour’s promise to repeal the Minimum Service Levels Act.

The union remains vigilant, pushing for the complete removal of all anti-union laws.

Wrack added: “The Fire Brigades Union looks forward to the government delivering on its promise to repeal the Act entirely, along with the 2016 Trade Union Act.

“We will not rest until all of the anti-union laws are scrapped.”

Impact on fire and rescue services

The Act’s enforcement could have led to significant restrictions on strike actions within the fire and rescue services across England.

The government’s advisory against its implementation aligns with the broader resistance from unions and devolved administrations, reflecting ongoing debates about workers’ rights and public safety.