Member

On Amendment 241, again tabled by my noble friend Lord Hendy, Section 225 excludes from protection from tort liability any industrial action that is conducted to achieve the recognition of a union by an employer other than the employer of the union taking industrial action. We do not consider that this type of industrial action is proportionate or suitable. Indeed, we believe that industrial action should take place only where there is a dispute between a group of workers and their direct employer, as secondary action can be very disruptive to the economy. The explanatory statement from my noble friend suggests the amendment is intended to allow industrial action to secure recognition for collective bargaining. For clarity, this is already permitted under existing legislation. However, protection does not extend to action taken against an employer not directly involved in the dispute, as this constitutes secondary action, which remains prohibited.