"In 2009, 455,200 working days were lost in the UK from 98 stoppages of work arising from labour disputes. In 2009 strike action between the public and private sectors were evenly spread, with 49 strikes in each sector. 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. This year's article will present data in both a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2003 and 2007 basis, although the majority of the article will be solely SIC 2007. Data is 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.This article presents final figures on labour disputes for 2009 and analyses the figures in more depth than the provisional estimates published as part of monthly Labour Market Statistics Bulletin. "

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