MPs approve controversial plans to let agency workers cover for striking staff

Critics accuse ministers of introducing a scab charter' that risks public safety and workers' rights

Ministers have approved controversial plans to allow agency workers to replace striking workers, voting through the regulations on Monday night by 289 votes to 202.

While the business minister, Jane Hunt, said the change, which was accelerated as a result of the ongoing rail strikes, was needed to remove the outdated blanket ban" on using agency workers to cover official industrial action, critics say the measure is akin to a scab charter".