Majority of bosses confident about union law change coming next week

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The law change will, from next Friday, give trade union equality representatives a new right for time off to carry out certain equality-related duties.

A survey of 2,000 employers and workers by conciliation service Acas found around two-thirds of employers and two in five workers said they were confident their organisation will adapt to the change in law, while one in five were not.

Acas chair Baroness Maggie Jones said: “Most employers and workers are confident about their organisations adapting to this new legal change.

“That’s good news as effective relationships between trade union representatives and employers can help build trust, prevent disputes and contribute to healthy, productive organisations.

“Our new code, advice and training can help everyone impacted to prepare ahead of time, encourage effective partnerships and improve workplace relations.”

TUC director of policy Nicola Smith said: “It’s great that so many employers and workers are confident about adapting to and benefitting from these new rights. 

“Equality reps, with paid facility time, will play a vital role in tackling workplace discrimination and making workplaces more inclusive and productive.

“Facility time saves employers money by helping to nip issues in the bud before they spiral into costly disputes. And it improves communication, supports wider staff wellbeing and helps resolve problems early and constructively.

“Along with new union access rights to workplaces, which will help workers learn about the benefits of collective bargaining and union recognition instead of being left in the dark, these new rights coming into force next week are an important step forward to modernising our economy.”

The new rules apply where a union is recognised in the workplace and the representative is properly appointed or elected by their union and has sufficient relevant training or experience.

Minister for the Future of Work Kate Dearden added: “These changes are an important part of our plan to support better jobs, raise living standards and help people stay in work.

“It’s encouraging that two-thirds of businesses already feel prepared and we want to give every employer the confidence to implement the changes successfully.”

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