LONDON, June 23 (Reuters) – The British government on Thursday unveiled changes to existing legislation to allow companies to hire temporary workers to reduce the impact of the strike.

British Rail workers on Tuesday began a strike on an unprecedented scale in 30 years to protest wage freezes and job cuts.

After talks aimed at resolving the situation that ended without a deal, railway workers are expected to demonstrate again on Thursday. The third day of action is scheduled for Saturday.

The government has announced that it will lift the ban on the use of skilled agency workers during the strike.

“Unions are once again holding the country hostage by paralyzing public services and businesses. The current situation is unstable,” said UK Secretary of State for Trade, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Quasi. Quasi.

“Reversing these measures, which date back to the 1970s, would allow businesses to quickly access the services of qualified personnel, while allowing people to live their lives without interruption and keep the economy running. “

The government said companies will have to ensure that the temporary employees they hire are qualified for the posts to which they will be appointed.

These changes, which have not yet been passed by Parliament, will apply to all regions of England, Scotland and Wales, and will come into force in the coming weeks, the government said.

The government has also indicated that when a strike is deemed illegal, the courts can seek maximum damages from a union. For the largest unions, the maximum amount of damages will increase from 250,000 to 1 million pounds (290,000 to 1.15 million euros). (Reports Kylie McClellan; French version Camille Renaud)