"In 2004 904,900 working days were lost in the UK as a result of labour disputes – almost double the total lost in 2003 (499,100), less than three-quarters of the total lost in 2002 (1,323,300) and higher than the average for ten years 1194 to 2003 (560,200). There were 130 stoppages of work in 2004 because of labour disputes – the lowest annual total on record. The 2004 figure of 130 compares with 133 stoppages in 2003 and 146 stoppages in 2002.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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