§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to limit the(a) number and (b) impact of unofficial strikes in the United Kingdom. [137421]
§ Mr. SutcliffeThe Government encourage parties to resolve their industrial disputes through negotiation, and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service stands ready to assist where the parties request their involvement. While the number of stoppages in the last year—official and unofficial combined—is a record low, the Government, where necessary, make contingency plans to ensure key services are delivered.
§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the unofficial strike action among Royal Mail staff in the south of England. [137425]
§ Mr. TimmsNo one will benefit from industrial action by postal workers in London. It will disrupt services to consumers and businesses that rely on Royal Mail's services.
Resolution of disputes is a matter for the management of Royal Mail and the Communication Workers' Union.
The Government have continued to encourage them to sit down together and reach a settlement. The Government welcome the talks that are taking place at AC AS to resolve the outstanding issues.