Trade unions and worker voice

We understand the delicate yet business-critical nature of the relationship between an employer and its trade unions.

We work closely with our clients to understand their relationship with their trade unions, their business needs, and any nuances or sensitive issues at play. This enables us to deliver tailored advice and solutions that work.

Our experience spans a wide range of industrial relations matters, from dealing with strikes and other forms of industrial action (including applications for injunctions to prevent industrial action) to navigating the complexities of section 145B in relation to offers made to employees.

We advise both public and private sector employers on trade union recognition and de-recognition, and collective bargaining negotiations.

As different ‘worker voice’ mechanisms are becoming more popular as an alternative to recognised trade unions, we also advise on other worker representation models. This includes advice on works councils and employee forum agreements and constitutions.

For our unionised clients, we regularly advise on collective consultation requirements related to restructuring and redundancy exercises, changes to terms and conditions, and TUPE transfers. We are also well-versed in defending union-backed collective employment disputes.