Acas races to halt Olympics strikes

Peter Harwood – the chief conciliator at the dispute conciliation service Acas – has announced plans to prevent strike action during the Olympics.

Talks have started with the transport sector and will move on to security and catering.

Acas hope to get trade unions and employers to put procedures in place to prevent action from breaking out.

It is crucial that workers avoid no-strike deals and retain their full rights to take action – especially at a time when the employers are vulnerable.

Strikes in South Africa in the run-up to the World Cup have proved effective.