Action points: what employers can do when workers go on strike

Strikes are once again in the headlines. The recent Lindsey Oil Refinery strikes were sparked by redundancies, while action at Transport for London (TfL) was linked to proposed pay deals and possible job losses.

In law, “industrial action” is action taken by workers to secure concessions from their employers, usually involving pay or job security. It varies in form. Workers can stop working altogether, or refuse to work overtime, or work to rule (fulfilling their contractual obligations to the letter but refusing to go further). Action can be official, which can be “protected” or “unprotected”, or unofficial.