Despite this lack of preparation, 20 per cent of senior HR executives believe that industrial activity is likely to affect their organisation in the next six months, according to a survey by research organisation YouGov.

Of those who predict industrial action, one in five expect a ‘huge impact’ on their company.

Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of respondents say they know little or nothing about the current laws on trade unions, and 40 per cent do not feel confident dealing with strikes.

Carol Smith, senior employment consultant at HR adviser Croner, says: “It is concerning that so many HR professionals feel under-prepared to deal with trade union activity.

‘However, it is a long time since we have been in a similar economic climate. As a consequence it is the first time that many HR people have had to think about or deal with industrial action.’