Days lost to strike action fell by 74 % in 2015, official figures reveal

date: 16 December 2015
embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on figures published today (Wednesday) by the Office for National Statistics, which show that the number of days lost through strike action fell by 74 % between October 2014 and October 2015, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“These figures highlight once again the flimsiness of the government’s case for pushing through its Trade Union Bill.

“Days lost to strike action are just a tiny fraction of what they were in the 1980s. And they account for a miniscule 0.0035 per cent of all working days between October 2014 and October 2015.

“Instead of trying to scare people that strikes are getting out of control, ministers should be working with unions to boost productivity and build a fairer Britain.

“Threatening the right to strike is the last thing workers need.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Days lost to strike action: Nov 2013-Oct 2014: 782,000/  Nov 2014-Oct 2015: 205,000 (Source: ONS Labour Force Survey)
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