Great Britain: unions in the public sector are dreaming of coordinated action against the government’s planned budget cuts

This is all the more so now that public expenditure and public services in Britain will experience what are roundly acknowledged to be the biggest cuts in many generations. The cuts result from the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition seeking to reduce the government debt as a result of the previous public expenditure to try to stave off recession by the last Labour government.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

at they cannot do the same and some understandable envy as well. However, in the face of the planned drastic budget cuts, which are once again taking a blow at the civil service, unions are talking of coordinated resistence, since they can’t talk of a general strike. By Gregor Gall, Research Professor of Industrial Relations and Director of the Work and Employment Research Unit (WERU), University of Hertfordshire. (Ref. 100488)

This is all the more so now that public expenditure and public servi

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...