"In 2003 499,100 working days were lost in the UK as a result of labour disputes - less than half the total lost in 2002 (1,323,300) and lower than the average for the ten years 1993 to 2002 (575,200). There were 133 stoppages of work in 2003 because of labour disputes – the lowest annual total on record. The 2003 figure of 133 compares with 146 stoppages in 2002 and 194 stoppages in 2001.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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