"In 2002, 1,323,000 working days were lost in the UK as a result of labour disputes, more than double the total lost in 2001 (525,100) and the average for the ten years 1992 to 2001 (496,000). There were 146 stoppages of work in 2002 because of labour disputes – the lowest annual total on record.The article analyses the three main measures of labour disputes - working days lost, stoppages and workers involved - by industry, region, cause, size and duration. The statistics are put into context by considering estimates of working days lost per 1,000 employees and working time lost through strikes as a proportion of time actually worked.Data are taken from a number of sources including regular centralised returns from some industries and public bodies, as well as directly from the employer or trade union involved after ONS has been notified of a dispute from press reports."

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