Hiring agency staff to cover industrial action

The government believes it is only right to regulate and restrict business freedom to operate when doing so is both necessary and proportionate. Regulation 7 is a significant interference in the operations of private companies and other employers. It also prevents work seekers being offered certain assignments that they may otherwise wish to take.

The government continues to believe in the importance of an individual’s ability to strike and the ability of trade unions to advocate for their members’ interests. However, this needs to be balanced with the rights of third parties not involved in the dispute. Our provisional view is that repealing regulation 7 would help to redress this balance. We welcome views on this from all interested parties, through this consultation.