Business representatives have warned the government not to grant further rights to trade unions.

The CBI warned ministers it would be a "big mistake" to agree to union requests to reform the Employment Relations Act.

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

A spokesman for the IoD told ePolitix.com: "We have said before that the growth in employment legislation is only serving to sour relations between employers and employees.

"Ultimately Britain's competitive advantage will be eroded, damaging growth and job prospects, which is to nobody's benefit."