Shapps and Rayner spar over strikes law

1. The government has outlined laws to ensure some public service workers continue to work during strike action
2. Business Secretary Grant Shapps told MPs that the bill would protect lives and livelihoods by maintaining minimum service levels
3. But Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner accused the government of "disastrous chaos" and says it needs to address staffing and pay in the public sector
4. The proposed law is expected to cover health and education services as well as transport and fire and rescue services
5. It comes amid a wave of industrial action as workers seek pay rises in the face of the rising cost of living
6. Ministers say the move is common sense but the RMT's Mick Lynch says the legislation is "draconian" and he will oppose in the courts

Who is striking this month?

Ambulance staff in England and Wales, teachers in Scotland and nurses in England are among those planning to strike this month.

Driving examiners in England amd Wales and Abellio bus drivers in parts of London have also announced industrial action in January.

• ·9-10 January – Driving examiners in England & Wales
• ·10-11, 16-20, 25-27 January – Teachers in Scotland
• ·11, 23 January – Ambulance drivers in England & Wales
• ·10, 12 ,16, 19, 25, 26 January – Abellio bus drivers
• ·18/19 January – Nurses in England

It comes after Monday's talks with government ministers aimed at resolving NHS strikes failed to make sufficient progress to avert further action by ambulance workers tomorrow.

In Scotland, teachers in the EIS union are currently on a two-day strike, with a week-long walkout planned for next week.

Nurses in England are also set to walk out for two days next week.

.

Good afternoon

Hello and thanks for joining us as we prepare to hear from Business Secretary Grant Shapps, who is due to tell MPs in the House of Commons about a new law which the government says will ensure public sector workers maintain minimum service levels during strike action. Under the proposals, which come a day before ambulance workers in England and Wales stage walkouts for a second time in less than a month, some trade union members would be required to continue to work during a strike. Shapps will address MPs at around 1.15pm. Stay tuned for live updates, reaction and analysis.