Trade unions
A trade union is an association of workers in a particular industry or sector, designed to protect the rights, interests and working conditions of employees. Large trade unions in the UK include the TUC, Unite, Unison, the GMB and Usdaw.
Trade unions can receive recognition, or employers can derecognise trade unions. Employment laws protecting employees taking industrial action, such as taking part in strikes or picketing, are contained in the Employment Rights Act 1996 and Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
Three in five jobcentre staff feel office is unsafe
A Public and Commercial Services union survey finds only 21% of Jobcentre Plus staff would feel safe dealing with benefits claimants face-to-face.
Court of Appeal rules foster carers can unionise
Foster carers are “workers” and have the right to unionise, according to a ruling today by the Court of Appeal....
Crunch time for British Gas engineers to agree new contract terms
Today is the final day that British Gas engineers can agree to new terms and conditions or face dismissal.
Give remote workers right to disconnect, urges union
According to Prospect, two-thirds of remote workers want to see a new “right to disconnect” enshrined in law.
Deliveroo riders on strike over pay and conditions
Around 400 Deliveroo riders are striking over pay and conditions today, amid growing pressure for it to improve working practices and rights.
TUC urges new laws to rein-in artificial intelligence
The TUC has sounded the alarm over ‘huge gaps’ in UK employment law over the use of AI.
Uber agrees to give drivers minimum wage and employment rights
Following the Supreme Court ruling that its drivers are workers, Uber is giving its UK drivers a guaranteed minimum wage, holiday pay and pensions.
Union alleges Yodel underpaid night shift workers
The GMB Union is taking Yodel to tribunal over claims hundreds of night workers were underpaid.
Proposed 1% pay rise for NHS ‘the worst kind of insult’
The governent has recommended a 1% pay increase for NHS staff in a report to the health service's Pay Review Body.
Priti Patel settles civil servant bullying case with £340,000 payout
Civil servant Sir Philip Rutnam has settled his unfair dismissal case for £340,000 plus legal costs, as the home secretary avoids a tribunal hearing.
Furlough one year on: How has the job retention scheme evolved?
As employers absorb today’s budget announcements, many will be reflecting how – this time last year – caution and concern...
Union’s recognition bid rejected by Court of Appeal
Independent Workers Union of Great Britain disappointed by decision, which hinged on Unison already being recognised by University of London.
European Commission to consult over future of gig economy
The European Commission has begun its consultation on the rights of gig economy workers whose labour is governed by digital platforms.
Tesco temporarily barred from ‘fire and rehire’ at Livingston warehouse
Usdaw has won a court case preventing Tesco from moving staff at its Livingston distribution centre onto new contracts.
Managers pushing employees into workplaces, says TUC
One in five working people are still going into work some or all of the time, according to a poll...
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