In the three decades that I have worked in HR, I have seen working conditions change for the better in the UK. Broadly speaking, during this time UK businesses have nurtured positive working environments and enjoyed a growing economy, which meant that strike action was a rarity that mainly took place overseas. 

However, recent events have flipped the working world on its head, with a series of unprecedented challenges facing businesses and employees alike. From supply chain issues caused by the Suez Canal obstruction to the war in Ukraine – not to mention a global pandemic – these are all legitimate and unpredictable reasons why many businesses are struggling to balance the books. At the same time, inflation has escalated at a rate unprecedented since 1980 and individuals are facing a cost of living crisis. Despite the latest government data suggesting annual wage growth is at a record high, many workers are under immense financial pressure. This perfect storm has led to difficulties and dissatisfaction by both employers and employees which – when not resolved at the earliest opportunity – can escalate to the type of industrial action we now hear about on an almost daily basis.

Organisations that experience strike action have a mountain to climb when it comes to repairing employee relations, not to mention the other potential repercussions, such as financial and reputational damage. I’d strongly advise business leaders to work closely with trade unions and employee representatives on this journey to repairing the wounds and preventing further action.

Meaningful two-way dialogue between employers and employees is the only real route to full resolution and this should ideally occur long before workers feel that industrial action is their only answer. During these unprecedented times, business leaders across all industries must do all they can to support and respect their workers, paying close attention to any small issues and working towards a win-win resolution long before the seemingly minor problems escalate. Unless business leaders and representatives collaborate meaningfully, I would expect to see further industrial action well into the autumn and beyond.