UKWA asks for nuanced implementation of new union law
The UKWA urged the Government to see new measures in light of a slew of additional costs facing businesses.
THESE INCLUDE higher National Insurance contributions, a business rates ‘surcharge’ for large properties, and tighter employment regulations in the Employment Rights Act.
The Employment Rights Act became law just before Christmas, and creates a new right for trade unions to access workplaces on a weekly basis on short notice, and a duty on employers to inform workers of their right to join a union.
UKWA CEO Clare Bottle, said: “The Government must be very careful how it implements new trade union policies, or it will heap yet more pressure on business.
“It’s all about getting the right balance. Workers have a right to join a union, and there’s no issue in mentioning this when someone starts at a new company. However, employers have to have flexibility in how they issue reminders after that.
“Similarly, arranging access for union reps is not a new thing for many companies, but it has to take account of business realities. In our sector, there’s a very intense peak in November and December, so it would be completely excessive to ask for weekly access in that period.”
