CIPD: employers expect industrial action increase

New research from the CIPD shows employers are bracing themselves for an acute increase in industrial action, with a third making preparations to cope with their own workforce taking strike action.

The CIPD questioned over 400 employers for its Employment Relations Survey, published yesterday. Just over 70 percent of employers feel that levels of industrial action in the next 12 months will rise. A further 33 percent think strike action by their own staff is ‘likely.’

More public sector respondents expect increasing industrial action compared to those in the private sector, as well as a greater chance of strike action by staff. According to the survey, poor conditions in the public sector job market and the impact of Government spending cuts are responsible for this poor outlook.

Relations between management and unions remain generally positive but have worsened since 2008. Over half (55 percent) of employers describe the relationship as ‘positive,’ a fall of 10 percent since 2008.

Relations between management and unions remain generally positive but have worsened since 2008

Ben Willmott, senior public policy adviser with the CIPD, commented:

"The survey highlights the impact that spending cuts are having on the employment relations climate. However, to what extent this deterioration in relations between management and unions will result in sustained strike action by public sector workers is still open to question.

"The recent launch of the Employee Engagement Taskforce by the prime minister highlights an increasing recognition that the quality of leadership and people management has never been more important.

"Employees are under increasing pressure at work against a backdrop of job insecurity, low wage settlements and reduced pension benefits. How people are led and managed on a day-to-day basis will to a large extent decide if individuals, organisations and ultimately UK plc remain resilient and productive during tough economic times.”