FREIGHT train companies are “quite happy” that their industry is excluded from the Tory government’s widely condemned anti-strike legislation, MPs were told yesterday.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill would allow ministers and bosses to sack workers who refuse to cross their own picket lines and provide an as-yet-undefined minimum service level across six key sectors, including health, schools and public transport.

Unions and opposition MPs have rejected the “divisive and draconian” legislation — due to be considered by the House of Lords before the end of the month — warning that even most employers are against the move, which could “enflame and prolong” disputes.