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.
‘Wages worth third less in some areas than decade ago’: TUC
The TUC has found that the average worker has lost £11,800 in real earnings since 2008
TUC wants 1m new manufacturing and tech jobs by 2030
The TUC has called for the government to set a target for a million new manufacturing and hi-tech jobs by...
Largest university in UK hit by boycott over outsourced staff
Academics, students and leading politicians have launched a boycott of the University of London in support of outsourced workers
High Court upholds Deliveroo self-employment and collective bargaining ruling
The High Court has held that Deliveroo riders are self-employed and cannot form a collective bargaining unit.
The Independent Workers...
Union claims council ‘secretly’ rewarded staff that did not strike
Birmingham City Council refuse workers are considering whether to go on strike, following allegations that the council “secretly” paid several...
Employers urged to sign charter on domestic violence
Employers are being encouraged to take a more supportive role on domestic violence.
The GMB union is asking employers to...
Campaigners turn to UN to tackle gig economy firms
Taxi and delivery giant Addison Lee is coming under fresh pressure to increase workers’ pay and benefits as campaigners target...
Ryanair sacks stranded cabin crew for ‘breach of trust’
Six Ryanair cabin crew were dismissed by the airline this week for “breach of trust” after a photograph was circulated...
‘Historic’ CDC pensions schemes given green light by DWP
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a consultation to shape new legislation around collective defined contribution pension schemes,...
Equal pay strike hits Glasgow schools and services
Hundreds of schools and nurseries are closed in Glasgow after around 8,000 workers began a two-day strike over a long-running...
Public sector workers could face variable pay rises
Public sector workers could have wage increases based on their performance or where in the country they work, the chancellor...
Nissan UK delays pay talks as threat of no-deal Brexit looms
Pay talks between Nissan UK and its employees on Wearside have been delayed because of Brexit fears.
Companies in the...
Union urges Uber users not to cross ‘digital picket line’
The IWGB union has a called a 24-hour strike against Uber and is urging the public not use the taxi-hailing...
Hospitality workers strike over pay and union recognition
Workers at McDonald’s, TGI Fridays, JD Wetherspoon, Deliveroo and Uber Eats are staging a 24-hour walk out today, in separate...
Top 10 HR questions September 2018 – probation dismissals and unavailable companions
Can you dismiss before a probationary period ends if they're not up to the job?
