THE Conservatives confirmed sweeping plans to to restrict strikes in what unions claimed was an assault on workers' rights.

Union leaders warned that employees would be left like "Oliver Twist when he asked for more" and reiterated calls for all employment law to to be devolved to Scotland.

It came just before David Cameron addressed his Cabinet for the first time, saying the majority administration would be "different" from the coalition as it would have proper accountability.

The Tory leader prompted cheers of 'hear, hear' as he described the Conservatives as the "real party of working people".

Mr Cameron said the government's policies would be to "give everyone in our country the best chance of living a fulfilling and good life and making the most of their talents".

The Prime Minister went on: "Some pundits might call it 'blue-collar Conservatism', or being on the side of hard-working taxpayers.

"I would call it being the real party of working people... the dignity of work, the dignity of having a pay-cheque, being able to keep more of their own money to spend as they choose, a home of their own, the peace of mind and security that comes from being able to raise a family and have a decent and secure retirement.

"Those are the down-to-earth, bread-and-butter issues that we were elected to deliver on."

Earlier, new Business Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed plans to impose a 50 per cent turnout requirement for strike ballots just a day into his new role.

Restrictions on the use of agency staff to break strikes would also be lifted, he said.

Mr Javid also triggered concerns by saying that he had "not looked at" the rules around maternity leave.

During the last government the Tories attempted to bring in legislation that would have made it easier to sack workers.

That move was blocked, however, by the party's then coalition partners the Liberal Democrats.

Now that Mr Cameron has a majority in the Commons, however, he faces no such restrictions - and is expected to fast-track legislation.

However, Network Rail workers threw down the gauntlet to the new majority Government, voting overwhelmingly in favour of action over pay.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union backed walkouts by 4-1, on a turnout of 60 per cent.

Network Rail owns and manages the rail network across the UK as well as Glasgow Central station.

Unite Scotland reiterated its call for the full devolution of employment law to the Scottish Parliament.

Union leaders said the Tories' plans would give opportunistic employers an "open goal" to attack workers rights.

Mr Javid said that "significant" strike reforms were "something that needs to be done".

He added: "We are clearly on the side of business and as a government we can help make a better environment for business because it's those businesses by and large that create jobs."

"My decisions for creating more jobs... creating investment in the economy will be looking towards free enterprise and what more deregulation we can have."

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "This is a Government not so much on the side of hard-working people but Britain's worst bosses.

"The Government's proposals on union ballots will make legal strikes close to impossible. Union negotiators will be left with no more power than Oliver Twist when he asked for more."

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: "These unfair proposals will make it virtually impossible for working people to stand up to their employers when anything goes wrong at work.

"Bad employers will be rubbing their hands together in glee, safe in the knowledge that they can now pretty much treat their staff as they choose - without having to worry about the threat of industrial action."

The RMT result will now be considered by the union's executive.

More unions could also announce strike plans soon.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) is also balloting its members, with the result due over the next week.

The unions are protesting at a pay offer of £500 this year followed by inflation matching rises over the next three years.

Conservative Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "I condemn any industrial action that disrupts the travelling public. I want to see Network Rail and the unions back round the negotiating table, hammering out a deal."