Government contractors told to support unions

Companies bidding for government contracts will be told they must promote trade union membership to win jobs.

The new requirement will apply to public service delivery contracts awarded by central government, not to suppliers of equipment or goods.

To be announced today, the new measures also include a requirement that employees working on government jobs must be trained to have basic literacy and numeracy skills.

According to the Times, companies will have to show in their bids for jobs how they will build good relations with unions.

The rule is part of a deal between ministers, business leaders and unions.