Train strike: Commuters face disruption as Network Rail workers vote to walk out

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association was also balloting its members, with the result due over the next week. The date of the strike, which could stop millions of commuters getting to work, has yet to be announced.

The clash with the unions came as the Prime Minister carried on with the first Conservative-only reshuffle since John Major’s era, putting rising talents into the middle and junior ranks. Among the eye-catching promotions:

Speaking on BBC radio, Mr Javid said reports of a “war” between the Government and the BBC were “over-excited”. But he confirmed legislation in the first Conservative Queen’s Speech since 1996 would rule strike ballots invalid unless at least half of the workforce took part.

In another measure, the Conservative Government will repeal a ban on the use of agency staff to fill in for striking employees. “That’s something we’ll give more detail on in the Queen’s Speech but it will be a priority,” said Mr Javid, one of several key promotions in Mr Cameron’s reshuffle. He added: “I think it’s also something that needs to be done. We need to update our strike laws and we’ve never hidden away from the changes we want to make.”

The minister also did not deny his deregulation agenda could include a bid to revive the “fire at will” proposals for employment reform that were blocked by his Liberal Democrat predecessor Vince Cable. A second strike ballot was due to be announced this afternoon over RMT calls for industrial action on the Docklands Light Railway. It alleges harassment of staff.

Other junior reshuffle moves today made Justin Tomlinson Minister for Disabled People, Damian Hinds Treasury Minister, John Penrose junior minister at the Cabinet Office, Mark Lancaster Veterans Minister, Marcus Jones Communities and Local Government and Ben Wallace Northern Ireland. Tracey Crouch MP, a football coach and FA referee, is the new Minister for Sport.

Mr Cameron was telling his first Cabinet meeting since the election that the Conservatives would be the “real party for working people”.

He will announce legislation that will be introduced within weeks to reform welfare, offer more apprenticeships, create jobs and assist with childcare costs.

He was due to say: “Every decision we take, every policy we pursue, every programme we initiate, never forget: we’re here to give everyone in our country the chance to make the most of their life.”