Trade unions representing both private and public sector workers joined the BMA today calling for the legalisation of secondary industrial action, ahead of a debate on Tuesday of the Employment Rights Bill in its committee stage in parliament.
Amendment 240 to the Bill, tabled by Lord Hendy, would strengthen workers’ rights in the UK by allowing them to take industrial action in solidarity with other workers, against employers which aren't their own, including where their places of work are not their direct employer.
Unions including ASLEF, BFAWU, FBU, and UCU joined the BMA in appealing to lawmakers not to pass up the once in a generation opportunity to safeguard the right of workers to use their collective power for good. In their statement they say:
“For too long, the current legal restrictions have served to isolate disputes, weaken solidarity, and limit workers’ ability to collectively challenge unfair conditions—particularly in an increasingly fragmented and outsourced employment landscape… We urge all members of the House of Lords to support Amendment 240, and we call on fellow trade unions and allies to join us in defending the basic right of workers to act in solidarity.”
Dr Emma Runswick, deputy chair of BMA council, added:
“As it stands, doctors and other NHS staff can only strike against their tightly defined “employer”. But in the current NHS system, riven with privatisation, outsourcing and employment by proxy, this means in practice that the people with the real power, and the people with whom staff have the genuine grievance, get away scot-free. In both the NHS and private sector, precarious agency doctors are locked out of discussions, and permanent staff cannot take action on their behalf.
“Rather than encouraging a byzantine series of layers of employment and rules that workers can barely penetrate, the law should enable staff to take grievances in the workplace straight to the source.
“The Government should accept Amendment 240 and go much further on its Employment Rights Bill, removing draconian laws restricting legitimate action of working people fighting together in trade unions. Labour could empower workers to drive up living standards, challenge unsafe practices and take on vested interests.
"Any government purporting to be a government for working people should be backing this amendment without hesitation.”
Notes to editors
The full statement reads:
As trade unions representing workers across the public and private sectors, we stand together in support of Amendment 240 to the Employment Rights Bill, tabled by Lord Hendy in the House of Lords.
This amendment, which would legalise secondary industrial action, represents a vital step in restoring fundamental trade union freedoms. For too long, the current legal restrictions have served to isolate disputes, weaken solidarity, and limit workers’ ability to collectively challenge unfair conditions—particularly in an increasingly fragmented and outsourced employment landscape.
In workplaces where staff are employed by multiple contractors, agencies, or third-party providers, the existing framework prevents workers and unions from taking meaningful, coordinated action—even when the root cause of the dispute lies with a shared decision-maker. Legalising secondary action would bring the UK closer to international norms on the right to strike and significantly strengthen the ability of working people to stand up for ourselves and the services we deliver.
We urge all members of the House of Lords to support Amendment 240, and we call on fellow trade unions and allies to join us in defending the basic right of workers to act in solidarity.
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.