Anti-strike law and nurses’ rights: can you be compelled to work?

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act gives employers new powers – we look at how it restricts workers’ rights, and the implications for all nurses

A new law has been passed that restricts the right of nurses and other essential workers to strike.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act gives employers the power to issue ‘work notices’, identifying the individuals required to work during a strike in order to maintain minimum service levels. If people do not comply, they could face dismissal, and their union could be hit with a hefty fine.

Here we examine what the controversial new law means for nurses and when it comes into force.

What is the background to the new law?