Tube strikes prevent nurses and other key workers from getting to work.
They also cost businesses millions. In last week's budget, Gordon Brown extended maternity leave to 26 weeks. The Sex Discrimination Act is 25 years old, yet women still earn less than men. The new Green Paper proposes that both parents be entitled to work reduced hours for as long as they wish after the maternity period. The DTI is expected to extend the powers of tribunals to deal with frivolous claims.