Rise in industrial action predicted as spending cuts bite

One in three respondents to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) survey predicted strike action by staff. Disgruntlement was likely to be worst in the public sector, the survey showed. Nearly 80% of public sector companies said they were braced for a rise in industrial disputes over the next year and almost half anticipated strikes. The hostilities were down to the fallout from heavy public spending cuts, the CIPD said. Ben Willmott, senior public policy adviser, CIPD, said: "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." A 2008 survey had shown a predicted spike in strike action fail to materialise, Willmott added. He said: "What actually happened was that the economic crisis led to management and unions working together in the private sector in many cases to try and save jobs. The recession saw many employees opting to take a pay cut or to work part time instead of occupying the picket lines." The 2011 survey results should spur companies into boosting employee engagement, the CIPD added. Willmott said: "How people are led and managed ona day to day basis will to alarge extent decide if individuals, organisations and ultimately UK plc remain resilient and productive during tough economic times." The survey was carried out among nearly 400 employers in the public and private sectors.