UNIONS have welcomed a “new, grown-up era of industrial relations” after the government confirmed today that it will repeal the Tories’ minimum service legislation, which could have been used to ban strikes in certain sectors.

The previous government sparked fury when it forced through the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act last year, following an unprecedented wave of industrial action over pay, jobs and conditions.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have now written to the government departments concerned with sectors most affected by strikes — education, health, transport, the Home Office and energy — conveying a “clear message” that the legislation will be repealed.