As predicted in my article on 7 April 2015, battle lines have been drawn between the unions and new Conservative government over proposals for further trade union law reform.

Sadiq Javid, the new Secretary of State for Business, told the BBC's Today programme on 12 May "We've already made clear, in terms of strike laws, that there will be some significant changes... it will be a priority of ours…”. “….I think it's essential to make these changes," he added.

A strike affecting health, transport, fire services or schools will need to be backed by 40% of eligible union members. There will also need to be a minimum 50% turnout in strike ballots. The government will also lift restrictions on the use of agency staff to replace striking workers, he said. The changes to the law are to be announced in the Queen's Speech, he added, which will take place later this month.