TORY ministers made their anti-union laws even tougher after “cosy” meetings with the CBI bosses’ lobbying group, the Morning Star can reveal today.

Documents obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests reveal the true extent of CBI influence over the Trade Union Bill.

As the Bill is debated in both the Commons and at TUC Congress today, the Star’s investigation shows:

How a four-month time limit on ballot mandates was added to the Bill after a request from the CBI.

How the CBI is calling for strike ballot thresholds, currently being brought forward for public services, to be extended to the private sector.

How Tory ministers met bosses’ reps a day after announcing plans for the Bill — more than a month before bothering to talk to the TUC.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid wasted no time in targeting trade unions, announcing “significant changes” to strike laws on May 12.

Just a day later Business Department officials met with CBI leaders in Whitehall to discuss the Bill, according to information released to the Star.

An email sent by CBI staff on May 15 says Mr Javid and CBI directorgeneral John Cridland have spoken about the Bill, suggesting both were at the meeting.

On May 19, the CBI followed up the meeting with a letter to Skills Minister Nick Boles, welcoming Tory plans to “modernise our industrial relations framework.”

It adds: “We would encourage you to look at areas beyond thresholds — for instance in limiting the time a union can continue to use an old ballot as a mandate for new action.”

That measure, which will make long-running disputes more expensive and difficult to organise, was subsequently included in the Trade Union Bill.

The letter goes on: “We would like to see you for further on your pledge by introducing a 40 per cent voter threshold across all sectors and industries, both public and private.”

It is likely the CBI included the suggestion in its submission to the government’s consultation on ballot thresholds, which closed last week.

And ministers could yet decide to include the measure in the final Bill.

Institute of Employment Rights director Carolyn Jones told the Star: “It’s clear from this letter that the CBI are pushing the government to go further.

“They want absolute power for bosses with no external restrictions, no labour inspectors and as little recourse to strike action as possible.

“But the right to strike is a human right and the CBI would do well to listen to those who create the wealth for their members and the economy.”

According to a list of meetings held by the government about the Trade Union Bill obtained by the Star, officials met with the CBI three times.

But an email from a CBI staff member to an official on May 19, when no official meeting was scheduled, shows unofficial meetings may also have been held.

It says: “Building on [name censored] popping in to the (department) earlier — what would be a good vehicle for us to bring some expertise to bear on the contents of any Bill on unions vs regs.”

Another shows the CBI requested and was given “catch-ups” about the Bill.

In return, the CBI sent their press release welcoming the Bill to the government — before it had been launched.

Industrial relations expert prof Keith Ewing said: "These documents reveal a nice cosy relationship between BIS and the CBI, with the CBI sending advanced copies of press releases to BIS officials, CBI officials 'popping in' to BIS for meetings, and the CBI lobbying for even tougher restrictions."