NEWPORT East AM John Griffiths has backed a campaign calling on the UK Government to scrap the Trade Union Bill.

The Labour AM joined those claiming the bill, which will stop unions from calling strikes without support from at least 40 per cent of its membership and double the current notice period for industrial action from seven days to 14, will undermine the rights of workers to take action against their employers.

Describing the bill as “entirely cynical and ideological in nature”, Mr Griffiths said: “It’s an unacceptable attack on workers’ rights, and will undermine industrial relations.

“Workers in Newport East and across Wales would be penalised as a result the bill, which is indicative of the UK Government lurching to the right.

“I will continue to campaign against this unfair legislation.”

Last month Newport City Council voted overwhelmingly to call on the Welsh Government to take action to halt the bill, while AMs passed a motion demanding the UK Government go back to the drawing board on the plans.

But this has no legislative binding on Westminster, which can continue to pass the bill regardless.

The bill will also allow employers to replace striking workers with agency workers and has already passed through Parliament. It is currently being considered by the House of Lords.