My work colleagues and I belong to a trade union and we have work related issues which we need them tacked like low wages, unpaid leave days. Can a trade union do collective bargaining with the employer?

When an employer and a union agree to negotiate on pay, terms and conditions, this agreement is called ‘recognition’ of the union. The negotiations are called ‘collective bargaining’.

Joining a trade union

Joining a trade union

A trade union is an organisation with members who are usually workers or employees. It looks after their interests at work by doing things like:

negotiating agreements with employers on pay and conditions

discussing big changes like large scale redundancy

discussing members’ concerns with employers

going with members to disciplinary and grievance meetings

Find a union to join

If there’s a union at work, you can ask the trade union representative (‘rep’) about joining. Their contact details may be in your company handbook, intranet site or on the union noticeboard.

The union rep will tell you if you’re eligible to join and give you a membership form to fill in.

Trade union contact details

You can search a list of unions and their contact details put together by the Certification Officer, the independent organisation responsible for the legal regulation of unions.

You can also use the TUC’s interactive tool to help you find a trade union in your workplace, or one which covers your type of job.

Trade union membership subscriptions

Your union will charge a union membership fee (‘membership sub’) to finance the work of the union. This can be the same amount for all employees or based on how much you’re paid.

Paying your membership subs

You can pay your subs by:

having the amount taken by your employer from your pay and sent to the union (otherwise known as ‘check-off’)

direct debit

cash

cheque

Paying by check-off

Your employer does not have to take union membership subs from your pay and send it to the union. They can stop sending your membership subs unless your employment contract says they have to.

Your employer cannot take union membership subs from your pay without your written permission. Many trade unions will get your agreement to pay by check-off when you join, and forward it to your employer.

You can also ask your employer in writing to stop taking money from your pay for check-off whenever you want. They must then stop taking subs from your pay as soon as it’s possible.

Your employer is responsible for making sure that any check-off payments they make are legal.

What to do if you have a problem

If you have a problem with your check-off payments, try to discuss the issue with your employer and your trade union first.

If your trade union subscriptions are taken from your pay without your consent, you could make a complaint to an employment tribunal against your employer.

If your complaint is successful the employment tribunal can order your employer to pay you the value of the unauthorised payments.

Trade union membership: your employment rights

You have the right to:

choose to join or not join a union

decide to leave or remain a member of a union

belong to the union you choose, even if it’s not the one your employer negotiates with on pay, terms and conditions

belong to more than one union

Your employer is not allowed to:

offer you a benefit to leave a trade union

threaten to treat you unfairly if you do not leave a union

Refusing to employ you for trade union membership reasons

An employer or employment agency is not allowed to insist that you:

join or leave a trade union

leave one union for another

Dismissal for trade union membership reasons

Your employer is not allowed to dismiss you or choose you for redundancy because you:

are or want to be a union member

are not or do not want to be a union member

took part or wanted to take part in union activities

Other unfavourable treatment

Your employer must not treat you unfavourably (for example refusing you promotion or training opportunities) if you:

join a union

take part in its meetings

leave a union

What to do if you have a problem

You may be able to use a grievance procedure or go to an employment tribunal  if you think your employer has treated you unfairly because of your trade union membership.

Contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) if you have any questions about trade union membership.

Role of your trade union rep

A trade union representative (‘rep’) is a union member who represents and gives advice to colleagues when they have problems at work.

Trade union reps are not paid but they do get paid time off to do their work as a rep.

What do union reps do?

Reps are there to:

discuss any concerns you have about your employer

go with (‘accompany’) you to disciplinary or grievance hearings with management

represent you in negotiations (‘collective bargaining’) over your pay and terms and conditions of employment

meet with your employer to find solutions to workplace issues

develop the best possible health and safety procedures with your employer

Employers must consult with union reps if:

there is going to be a business transfer or takeover

they are planning to make 20 or more people redundant within 90 days

Your right to be accompanied

You have the right to be accompanied by your union rep to some meetings with management - for example, if:

you’re facing a disciplinary charge

you wish to raise a grievance with your employer

If your union rep cannot attend, you may be able to rearrange the meeting or ask a work colleague to go with you.

Becoming a union rep

If you want to become a union rep, ask another rep in the workplace or contact your union through its website. Depending on union rules, you may be appointed or elected.

If you become a union rep, find out what rights you have.

Union negotiations with your employer

How collective bargaining works

Your employer and trade union must agree on how collective bargaining will be done including:

which union, rep or official will represent a group of workers or employees (this group is called a ‘bargaining unit’)

who is included in the bargaining unit

how often meetings will take place

what issues they’ll discuss

how disagreements will be handled

how collective bargaining will work if more than one union is recognised

Collective agreements

Agreements reached through collective bargaining are called collective agreements and they often mean a change in your employment terms and conditions.

Collective agreements can cover all staff - not just union members.

Your employment contract may say which collective agreements cover you if:

your employer recognises more than one trade union

1 union is recognised to negotiate for more than 1 bargaining unit


Me and my neighbour share a party wall that is crumbling. I want to replace this wall with a new one. Do I need to inform my neighbour about carrying this work out?

You must tell your neighbours if you want to carry out any building work near or on your shared property boundary, or ‘party wall’, in England and Wales.

Party walls and building work

Overview

Party walls stand on the land of 2 or more owners and either:

form part of a building

don’t form part of a building, such as a garden wall (not wooden fences)

Walls on one owner’s land used by other owners (2 or more) to separate their buildings are also party walls.

Party structures

You can also have a ‘party structure’. This could be a floor or other structure that separates buildings or parts of buildings with different owners, eg flats.

Party wall agreements are different from planning permission or building regulations approval.

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Work you must tell your neighbour about

You must tell your neighbour if you want to:

build on or at the boundary of your 2 properties

work on an existing party wall or party structure

dig below and near to the foundation level of their property

Examples of this type of work include:

building a new wall

cutting into a party wall

making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper

removing chimneys from a party wall

knocking down and rebuilding a party wall

Find more details of work you need to tell your neighbour about in the party wall explanatory booklet.

Your neighbours can’t stop you from making changes to your property that are within the law, but they can affect how and when your works are carried out.

What you don’t need to tell them about

You don’t need to tell your neighbour about minor changes, eg plastering, adding or replacing electrical wiring or sockets, or drilling to put up shelves or cabinets.

When and how to tell them

You must give notice to your neighbour between 2 months and a year before you plan to start building works. Include what you plan on doing.

You can speak to your neighbour to explain the work you want to carry out, before giving notice in writing.

Find letter templates and more information on giving notice in the party wall explanatory booklet.

Any agreement you reach should be in writing.

Reaching an agreement with your neighbours

Once you’ve given notice your neighbour can:

give consent in writing

refuse consent, which will start the dispute resolution process

serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time (they’ll have to pay for these if they benefit from the works)

Your neighbour must let you know in writing within 14 days if they consent to your notice, and you must do the same with any counter notice. A counter notice must be served within a month of the first notice.

Find examples of counter notice letters in the party wall booklet.

Your neighbours need to respond to the notice. You can’t assume that no response means they agree to the works.

The dispute resolution process will also start if they don’t respond to your notice within the given time.

Who pays for the work

You need to pay for any building works that you start on a party wall.

Your neighbour may have to meet a share of the cost if the work needs to be done because of defects or lack of repair. They will also need to pay if they ask for additional works to be done that will benefit them.

An appointed surveyor will set out who pays what if you can’t agree.

If you can't agree

You must appoint a surveyor if you and your neighbour can’t agree. You can appoint a surveyor together or each appoint your own. The surveyors will then agree on a ‘party wall award’.

This is a legal document which says:

what work should happen

how and when it will be carried out

who will pay for which part and how much will be paid (including surveyor’s fees)

You can’t act as your own surveyor.

If your neighbour doesn’t appoint a surveyor

You can appoint a surveyor on behalf of your neighbour if they refuse or fail to do so themselves.

If you don’t agree with the award

You can appeal against an award at a county court within 14 days of receiving it. You need to file an appellant’s notice in a county court, explaining why you’re appealing.

When works begin

When carrying out building works you must:

avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience

protect your neighbour’s property from damage caused by the works, and fix or pay for any damage that is caused

Access to your neighbour’s property

Your neighbour must allow surveyors and workmen access to their property during usual working hours to carry out the building works. They must be given 14 days’ notice except in an emergency.

You must tell your neighbour if you want to:

Party walls and building work

Overview

Party walls stand on the land of 2 or more owners and either:

form part of a building

don’t form part of a building, such as a garden wall (not wooden fences)

Walls on one owner’s land used by other owners (2 or more) to separate their buildings are also party walls.

Party structures

Party wall agreements are different from planning permission or building regulations approval.

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Work you must tell your neighbour about

build on or at the boundary of your 2 properties

work on an existing party wall or party structure

dig below and near to the foundation level of their property

Examples of this type of work include:

building a new wall

cutting into a party wall

making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper

removing chimneys from a party wall

knocking down and rebuilding a party wall

Find more details of work you need to tell your neighbour about in the party wall explanatory booklet.

What you don’t need to tell them about

When and how to tell them

You must give notice to your neighbour between 2 months and a year before you plan to start building works. Include what you plan on doing.

You can speak to your neighbour to explain the work you want to carry out, before giving notice in writing.

Find letter templates and more information on giving notice in the party wall explanatory booklet.

Any agreement you reach should be in writing.

Reaching an agreement with your neighbours

Once you’ve given notice your neighbour can:

give consent in writing

refuse consent, which will start the dispute resolution process

serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time (they’ll have to pay for these if they benefit from the works)

Find examples of counter notice letters in the party wall booklet.

Your neighbours need to respond to the notice. You can’t assume that no response means they agree to the works.

The dispute resolution process will also start if they don’t respond to your notice within the given time.

Who pays for the work

You need to pay for any building works that you start on a party wall.

An appointed surveyor will set out who pays what if you can’t agree.

If you can't agree

This is a legal document which says:

what work should happen

how and when it will be carried out

who will pay for which part and how much will be paid (including surveyor’s fees)

You can’t act as your own surveyor.

If your neighbour doesn’t appoint a surveyor

You can appoint a surveyor on behalf of your neighbour if they refuse or fail to do so themselves.

If you don’t agree with the award

When works begin

When carrying out building works you must:

avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience

protect your neighbour’s property from damage caused by the works, and fix or pay for any damage that is caused

Access to your neighbour’s property

build on or at the boundary of your 2 properties

Party walls and building work

Overview

Party walls stand on the land of 2 or more owners and either:

form part of a building

don’t form part of a building, such as a garden wall (not wooden fences)

Walls on one owner’s land used by other owners (2 or more) to separate their buildings are also party walls.

Party structures

Party wall agreements are different from planning permission or building regulations approval.

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Work you must tell your neighbour about

You must tell your neighbour if you want to:

work on an existing party wall or party structure

dig below and near to the foundation level of their property

Examples of this type of work include:

building a new wall

cutting into a party wall

making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper

removing chimneys from a party wall

knocking down and rebuilding a party wall

Find more details of work you need to tell your neighbour about in the party wall explanatory booklet.

What you don’t need to tell them about

When and how to tell them

You must give notice to your neighbour between 2 months and a year before you plan to start building works. Include what you plan on doing.

You can speak to your neighbour to explain the work you want to carry out, before giving notice in writing.

Find letter templates and more information on giving notice in the party wall explanatory booklet.

Any agreement you reach should be in writing.

Reaching an agreement with your neighbours

Once you’ve given notice your neighbour can:

give consent in writing

refuse consent, which will start the dispute resolution process

serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time (they’ll have to pay for these if they benefit from the works)

Find examples of counter notice letters in the party wall booklet.

Your neighbours need to respond to the notice. You can’t assume that no response means they agree to the works.

The dispute resolution process will also start if they don’t respond to your notice within the given time.

Who pays for the work

You need to pay for any building works that you start on a party wall.

An appointed surveyor will set out who pays what if you can’t agree.

If you can't agree

This is a legal document which says:

what work should happen

how and when it will be carried out

who will pay for which part and how much will be paid (including surveyor’s fees)

You can’t act as your own surveyor.

If your neighbour doesn’t appoint a surveyor

You can appoint a surveyor on behalf of your neighbour if they refuse or fail to do so themselves.

If you don’t agree with the award

When works begin

When carrying out building works you must:

avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience

protect your neighbour’s property from damage caused by the works, and fix or pay for any damage that is caused

Access to your neighbour’s property

work on an existing party wall or party structure

Party walls and building work

Overview

Party walls stand on the land of 2 or more owners and either:

form part of a building

don’t form part of a building, such as a garden wall (not wooden fences)

Walls on one owner’s land used by other owners (2 or more) to separate their buildings are also party walls.

Party structures

Party wall agreements are different from planning permission or building regulations approval.

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Work you must tell your neighbour about

You must tell your neighbour if you want to:

build on or at the boundary of your 2 properties

dig below and near to the foundation level of their property

Examples of this type of work include:

building a new wall

cutting into a party wall

making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper

removing chimneys from a party wall

knocking down and rebuilding a party wall

Find more details of work you need to tell your neighbour about in the party wall explanatory booklet.

What you don’t need to tell them about

When and how to tell them

You must give notice to your neighbour between 2 months and a year before you plan to start building works. Include what you plan on doing.

You can speak to your neighbour to explain the work you want to carry out, before giving notice in writing.

Find letter templates and more information on giving notice in the party wall explanatory booklet.

Any agreement you reach should be in writing.

Reaching an agreement with your neighbours

Once you’ve given notice your neighbour can:

give consent in writing

refuse consent, which will start the dispute resolution process

serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time (they’ll have to pay for these if they benefit from the works)

Find examples of counter notice letters in the party wall booklet.

Your neighbours need to respond to the notice. You can’t assume that no response means they agree to the works.

The dispute resolution process will also start if they don’t respond to your notice within the given time.

Who pays for the work

You need to pay for any building works that you start on a party wall.

An appointed surveyor will set out who pays what if you can’t agree.

If you can't agree

This is a legal document which says:

what work should happen

how and when it will be carried out

who will pay for which part and how much will be paid (including surveyor’s fees)

You can’t act as your own surveyor.

If your neighbour doesn’t appoint a surveyor

You can appoint a surveyor on behalf of your neighbour if they refuse or fail to do so themselves.

If you don’t agree with the award

When works begin

When carrying out building works you must:

avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience

protect your neighbour’s property from damage caused by the works, and fix or pay for any damage that is caused

Access to your neighbour’s property

Examples of this type of work include:

Party walls and building work

Overview

Party walls stand on the land of 2 or more owners and either:

form part of a building

don’t form part of a building, such as a garden wall (not wooden fences)

Walls on one owner’s land used by other owners (2 or more) to separate their buildings are also party walls.

Party structures

Party wall agreements are different from planning permission or building regulations approval.

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Work you must tell your neighbour about

You must tell your neighbour if you want to:

build on or at the boundary of your 2 properties

work on an existing party wall or party structure

dig below and near to the foundation level of their property

Examples of this type of work include:

building a new wall

cutting into a party wall

making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper

removing chimneys from a party wall

knocking down and rebuilding a party wall

Find more details of work you need to tell your neighbour about in the party wall explanatory booklet.

What you don’t need to tell them about

When and how to tell them

You must give notice to your neighbour between 2 months and a year before you plan to start building works. Include what you plan on doing.

You can speak to your neighbour to explain the work you want to carry out, before giving notice in writing.

Find letter templates and more information on giving notice in the party wall explanatory booklet.

Any agreement you reach should be in writing.

Reaching an agreement with your neighbours

Once you’ve given notice your neighbour can:

give consent in writing

refuse consent, which will start the dispute resolution process

serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time (they’ll have to pay for these if they benefit from the works)

Find examples of counter notice letters in the party wall booklet.

Your neighbours need to respond to the notice. You can’t assume that no response means they agree to the works.

The dispute resolution process will also start if they don’t respond to your notice within the given time.

Who pays for the work

You need to pay for any building works that you start on a party wall.

An appointed surveyor will set out who pays what if you can’t agree.

If you can't agree

This is a legal document which says:

what work should happen

how and when it will be carried out

who will pay for which part and how much will be paid (including surveyor’s fees)

You can’t act as your own surveyor.

If your neighbour doesn’t appoint a surveyor

You can appoint a surveyor on behalf of your neighbour if they refuse or fail to do so themselves.

If you don’t agree with the award

When works begin

When carrying out building works you must:

avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience

protect your neighbour’s property from damage caused by the works, and fix or pay for any damage that is caused

Access to your neighbour’s property

building a new wall

Party walls and building work

Overview

Party walls stand on the land of 2 or more owners and either:

form part of a building

don’t form part of a building, such as a garden wall (not wooden fences)

Walls on one owner’s land used by other owners (2 or more) to separate their buildings are also party walls.

Party structures

Party wall agreements are different from planning permission or building regulations approval.

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Work you must tell your neighbour about

You must tell your neighbour if you want to:

build on or at the boundary of your 2 properties

work on an existing party wall or party structure

dig below and near to the foundation level of their property

Examples of this type of work include:

building a new wall

cutting into a party wall

making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper

removing chimneys from a party wall

knocking down and rebuilding a party wall

Find more details of work you need to tell your neighbour about in the party wall explanatory booklet.

What you don’t need to tell them about

When and how to tell them

You must give notice to your neighbour between 2 months and a year before you plan to start building works. Include what you plan on doing.

You can speak to your neighbour to explain the work you want to carry out, before giving notice in writing.

Find letter templates and more information on giving notice in the party wall explanatory booklet.

Any agreement you reach should be in writing.

Reaching an agreement with your neighbours

Once you’ve given notice your neighbour can:

give consent in writing

refuse consent, which will start the dispute resolution process

serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time (they’ll have to pay for these if they benefit from the works)

Find examples of counter notice letters in the party wall booklet.

Your neighbours need to respond to the notice. You can’t assume that no response means they agree to the works.

The dispute resolution process will also start if they don’t respond to your notice within the given time.

Who pays for the work

You need to pay for any building works that you start on a party wall.

An appointed surveyor will set out who pays what if you can’t agree.

If you can't agree

This is a legal document which says:

what work should happen

how and when it will be carried out

who will pay for which part and how much will be paid (including surveyor’s fees)

You can’t act as your own surveyor.

If your neighbour doesn’t appoint a surveyor

You can appoint a surveyor on behalf of your neighbour if they refuse or fail to do so themselves.

If you don’t agree with the award

When works begin

When carrying out building works you must:

avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience

protect your neighbour’s property from damage caused by the works, and fix or pay for any damage that is caused

Access to your neighbour’s property

knocking down and rebuilding a party wall

Party walls and building work

Overview

Party walls stand on the land of 2 or more owners and either:

form part of a building

don’t form part of a building, such as a garden wall (not wooden fences)

Walls on one owner’s land used by other owners (2 or more) to separate their buildings are also party walls.

Party structures

Party wall agreements are different from planning permission or building regulations approval.

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Work you must tell your neighbour about

You must tell your neighbour if you want to:

build on or at the boundary of your 2 properties

work on an existing party wall or party structure

dig below and near to the foundation level of their property

Examples of this type of work include:

building a new wall

cutting into a party wall

making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper

removing chimneys from a party wall

Find more details of work you need to tell your neighbour about in the party wall explanatory booklet.

What you don’t need to tell them about

When and how to tell them

You must give notice to your neighbour between 2 months and a year before you plan to start building works. Include what you plan on doing.

You can speak to your neighbour to explain the work you want to carry out, before giving notice in writing.

Find letter templates and more information on giving notice in the party wall explanatory booklet.

Any agreement you reach should be in writing.

Reaching an agreement with your neighbours

Once you’ve given notice your neighbour can:

give consent in writing

refuse consent, which will start the dispute resolution process

serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time (they’ll have to pay for these if they benefit from the works)

Find examples of counter notice letters in the party wall booklet.

Your neighbours need to respond to the notice. You can’t assume that no response means they agree to the works.

The dispute resolution process will also start if they don’t respond to your notice within the given time.

Who pays for the work

You need to pay for any building works that you start on a party wall.

An appointed surveyor will set out who pays what if you can’t agree.

If you can't agree

This is a legal document which says:

what work should happen

how and when it will be carried out

who will pay for which part and how much will be paid (including surveyor’s fees)

You can’t act as your own surveyor.

If your neighbour doesn’t appoint a surveyor

You can appoint a surveyor on behalf of your neighbour if they refuse or fail to do so themselves.

If you don’t agree with the award

When works begin

When carrying out building works you must:

avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience

protect your neighbour’s property from damage caused by the works, and fix or pay for any damage that is caused

Access to your neighbour’s property


I am a trade union member. I have been working in my company for more than 10 years. I have been paying union subscriptions. I have a problem at work which I need to be addressed. I need to to know, what are the things do trade union deal with on behalf of its members?

A trade union is an organisation with members who are usually workers or employees. It looks after their interests at work by doing things like:

Joining a trade union

Joining a trade union

negotiating agreements with employers on pay and conditions

discussing big changes like large scale redundancy

discussing members’ concerns with employers

going with members to disciplinary and grievance meetings

Find a union to join

If there’s a union at work, you can ask the trade union representative (‘rep’) about joining. Their contact details may be in your company handbook, intranet site or on the union noticeboard.

The union rep will tell you if you’re eligible to join and give you a membership form to fill in.

Trade union contact details

You can search a list of unions and their contact details put together by the Certification Officer, the independent organisation responsible for the legal regulation of unions.

You can also use the TUC’s interactive tool to help you find a trade union in your workplace, or one which covers your type of job.

Trade union membership subscriptions

Your union will charge a union membership fee (‘membership sub’) to finance the work of the union. This can be the same amount for all employees or based on how much you’re paid.

Paying your membership subs

You can pay your subs by:

having the amount taken by your employer from your pay and sent to the union (otherwise known as ‘check-off’)

direct debit

cash

cheque

Paying by check-off

Your employer does not have to take union membership subs from your pay and send it to the union. They can stop sending your membership subs unless your employment contract says they have to.

Your employer cannot take union membership subs from your pay without your written permission. Many trade unions will get your agreement to pay by check-off when you join, and forward it to your employer.

You can also ask your employer in writing to stop taking money from your pay for check-off whenever you want. They must then stop taking subs from your pay as soon as it’s possible.

Your employer is responsible for making sure that any check-off payments they make are legal.

What to do if you have a problem

If you have a problem with your check-off payments, try to discuss the issue with your employer and your trade union first.

If your trade union subscriptions are taken from your pay without your consent, you could make a complaint to an employment tribunal against your employer.

If your complaint is successful the employment tribunal can order your employer to pay you the value of the unauthorised payments.

Trade union membership: your employment rights

You have the right to:

choose to join or not join a union

decide to leave or remain a member of a union

belong to the union you choose, even if it’s not the one your employer negotiates with on pay, terms and conditions

belong to more than one union

Your employer is not allowed to:

offer you a benefit to leave a trade union

threaten to treat you unfairly if you do not leave a union

Refusing to employ you for trade union membership reasons

An employer or employment agency is not allowed to insist that you:

join or leave a trade union

leave one union for another

Dismissal for trade union membership reasons

Your employer is not allowed to dismiss you or choose you for redundancy because you:

are or want to be a union member

are not or do not want to be a union member

took part or wanted to take part in union activities

Other unfavourable treatment

Your employer must not treat you unfavourably (for example refusing you promotion or training opportunities) if you:

join a union

take part in its meetings

leave a union

What to do if you have a problem

You may be able to use a grievance procedure or go to an employment tribunal  if you think your employer has treated you unfairly because of your trade union membership.

Contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) if you have any questions about trade union membership.

Role of your trade union rep

A trade union representative (‘rep’) is a union member who represents and gives advice to colleagues when they have problems at work.

Trade union reps are not paid but they do get paid time off to do their work as a rep.

What do union reps do?

Reps are there to:

discuss any concerns you have about your employer

go with (‘accompany’) you to disciplinary or grievance hearings with management

represent you in negotiations (‘collective bargaining’) over your pay and terms and conditions of employment

meet with your employer to find solutions to workplace issues

develop the best possible health and safety procedures with your employer

Employers must consult with union reps if:

there is going to be a business transfer or takeover

they are planning to make 20 or more people redundant within 90 days

Your right to be accompanied

You have the right to be accompanied by your union rep to some meetings with management - for example, if:

you’re facing a disciplinary charge

you wish to raise a grievance with your employer

If your union rep cannot attend, you may be able to rearrange the meeting or ask a work colleague to go with you.

Becoming a union rep

If you want to become a union rep, ask another rep in the workplace or contact your union through its website. Depending on union rules, you may be appointed or elected.

If you become a union rep, find out what rights you have.

Union negotiations with your employer

When an employer and a union agree to negotiate on pay, terms and conditions, this agreement is called ‘recognition’ of the union. The negotiations are called ‘collective bargaining’.

How collective bargaining works

Your employer and trade union must agree on how collective bargaining will be done including:

which union, rep or official will represent a group of workers or employees (this group is called a ‘bargaining unit’)

who is included in the bargaining unit

how often meetings will take place

what issues they’ll discuss

how disagreements will be handled

how collective bargaining will work if more than one union is recognised

Collective agreements

Agreements reached through collective bargaining are called collective agreements and they often mean a change in your employment terms and conditions.

Collective agreements can cover all staff - not just union members.

Your employment contract may say which collective agreements cover you if:

your employer recognises more than one trade union

1 union is recognised to negotiate for more than 1 bargaining unit

negotiating agreements with employers on pay and conditions

Joining a trade union

Joining a trade union

discussing big changes like large scale redundancy

discussing members’ concerns with employers

going with members to disciplinary and grievance meetings

Find a union to join

The union rep will tell you if you’re eligible to join and give you a membership form to fill in.

Trade union contact details

You can also use the TUC’s interactive tool to help you find a trade union in your workplace, or one which covers your type of job.

Trade union membership subscriptions

Paying your membership subs

You can pay your subs by:

having the amount taken by your employer from your pay and sent to the union (otherwise known as ‘check-off’)

direct debit

cash

cheque

Paying by check-off

Your employer is responsible for making sure that any check-off payments they make are legal.

What to do if you have a problem

If you have a problem with your check-off payments, try to discuss the issue with your employer and your trade union first.

If your complaint is successful the employment tribunal can order your employer to pay you the value of the unauthorised payments.

Trade union membership: your employment rights

You have the right to:

choose to join or not join a union

decide to leave or remain a member of a union

belong to the union you choose, even if it’s not the one your employer negotiates with on pay, terms and conditions

belong to more than one union

Your employer is not allowed to:

offer you a benefit to leave a trade union

threaten to treat you unfairly if you do not leave a union

Refusing to employ you for trade union membership reasons

An employer or employment agency is not allowed to insist that you:

join or leave a trade union

leave one union for another

Dismissal for trade union membership reasons

Your employer is not allowed to dismiss you or choose you for redundancy because you:

are or want to be a union member

are not or do not want to be a union member

took part or wanted to take part in union activities

Other unfavourable treatment

Your employer must not treat you unfavourably (for example refusing you promotion or training opportunities) if you:

join a union

take part in its meetings

leave a union

What to do if you have a problem

Contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) if you have any questions about trade union membership.

Role of your trade union rep

Trade union reps are not paid but they do get paid time off to do their work as a rep.

What do union reps do?

Reps are there to:

discuss any concerns you have about your employer

go with (‘accompany’) you to disciplinary or grievance hearings with management

represent you in negotiations (‘collective bargaining’) over your pay and terms and conditions of employment

meet with your employer to find solutions to workplace issues

develop the best possible health and safety procedures with your employer

Employers must consult with union reps if:

there is going to be a business transfer or takeover

they are planning to make 20 or more people redundant within 90 days

Your right to be accompanied

You have the right to be accompanied by your union rep to some meetings with management - for example, if:

you’re facing a disciplinary charge

you wish to raise a grievance with your employer

If your union rep cannot attend, you may be able to rearrange the meeting or ask a work colleague to go with you.

Becoming a union rep

If you become a union rep, find out what rights you have.

Union negotiations with your employer

How collective bargaining works

Your employer and trade union must agree on how collective bargaining will be done including:

which union, rep or official will represent a group of workers or employees (this group is called a ‘bargaining unit’)

who is included in the bargaining unit

how often meetings will take place

what issues they’ll discuss

how disagreements will be handled

how collective bargaining will work if more than one union is recognised

Collective agreements

Collective agreements can cover all staff - not just union members.

Your employment contract may say which collective agreements cover you if:

your employer recognises more than one trade union

1 union is recognised to negotiate for more than 1 bargaining unit

discussing big changes like large scale redundancy

Joining a trade union

Joining a trade union

negotiating agreements with employers on pay and conditions

discussing members’ concerns with employers

going with members to disciplinary and grievance meetings

Find a union to join

The union rep will tell you if you’re eligible to join and give you a membership form to fill in.

Trade union contact details

You can also use the TUC’s interactive tool to help you find a trade union in your workplace, or one which covers your type of job.

Trade union membership subscriptions

Paying your membership subs

You can pay your subs by:

having the amount taken by your employer from your pay and sent to the union (otherwise known as ‘check-off’)

direct debit

cash

cheque

Paying by check-off

Your employer is responsible for making sure that any check-off payments they make are legal.

What to do if you have a problem

If you have a problem with your check-off payments, try to discuss the issue with your employer and your trade union first.

If your complaint is successful the employment tribunal can order your employer to pay you the value of the unauthorised payments.

Trade union membership: your employment rights

You have the right to:

choose to join or not join a union

decide to leave or remain a member of a union

belong to the union you choose, even if it’s not the one your employer negotiates with on pay, terms and conditions

belong to more than one union

Your employer is not allowed to:

offer you a benefit to leave a trade union

threaten to treat you unfairly if you do not leave a union

Refusing to employ you for trade union membership reasons

An employer or employment agency is not allowed to insist that you:

join or leave a trade union

leave one union for another

Dismissal for trade union membership reasons

Your employer is not allowed to dismiss you or choose you for redundancy because you:

are or want to be a union member

are not or do not want to be a union member

took part or wanted to take part in union activities

Other unfavourable treatment

Your employer must not treat you unfavourably (for example refusing you promotion or training opportunities) if you:

join a union

take part in its meetings

leave a union

What to do if you have a problem

Contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) if you have any questions about trade union membership.

Role of your trade union rep

Trade union reps are not paid but they do get paid time off to do their work as a rep.

What do union reps do?

Reps are there to:

discuss any concerns you have about your employer

go with (‘accompany’) you to disciplinary or grievance hearings with management

represent you in negotiations (‘collective bargaining’) over your pay and terms and conditions of employment

meet with your employer to find solutions to workplace issues

develop the best possible health and safety procedures with your employer

Employers must consult with union reps if:

there is going to be a business transfer or takeover

they are planning to make 20 or more people redundant within 90 days

Your right to be accompanied

You have the right to be accompanied by your union rep to some meetings with management - for example, if:

you’re facing a disciplinary charge

you wish to raise a grievance with your employer

If your union rep cannot attend, you may be able to rearrange the meeting or ask a work colleague to go with you.

Becoming a union rep

If you become a union rep, find out what rights you have.

Union negotiations with your employer

How collective bargaining works

Your employer and trade union must agree on how collective bargaining will be done including:

which union, rep or official will represent a group of workers or employees (this group is called a ‘bargaining unit’)

who is included in the bargaining unit

how often meetings will take place

what issues they’ll discuss

how disagreements will be handled

how collective bargaining will work if more than one union is recognised

Collective agreements

Collective agreements can cover all staff - not just union members.

Your employment contract may say which collective agreements cover you if:

your employer recognises more than one trade union

1 union is recognised to negotiate for more than 1 bargaining unit

discussing members’ concerns with employers

Joining a trade union

Joining a trade union

negotiating agreements with employers on pay and conditions

discussing big changes like large scale redundancy

going with members to disciplinary and grievance meetings

Find a union to join

The union rep will tell you if you’re eligible to join and give you a membership form to fill in.

Trade union contact details

You can also use the TUC’s interactive tool to help you find a trade union in your workplace, or one which covers your type of job.

Trade union membership subscriptions

Paying your membership subs

You can pay your subs by:

having the amount taken by your employer from your pay and sent to the union (otherwise known as ‘check-off’)

direct debit

cash

cheque

Paying by check-off

Your employer is responsible for making sure that any check-off payments they make are legal.

What to do if you have a problem

If you have a problem with your check-off payments, try to discuss the issue with your employer and your trade union first.

If your complaint is successful the employment tribunal can order your employer to pay you the value of the unauthorised payments.

Trade union membership: your employment rights

You have the right to:

choose to join or not join a union

decide to leave or remain a member of a union

belong to the union you choose, even if it’s not the one your employer negotiates with on pay, terms and conditions

belong to more than one union

Your employer is not allowed to:

offer you a benefit to leave a trade union

threaten to treat you unfairly if you do not leave a union

Refusing to employ you for trade union membership reasons

An employer or employment agency is not allowed to insist that you:

join or leave a trade union

leave one union for another

Dismissal for trade union membership reasons

Your employer is not allowed to dismiss you or choose you for redundancy because you:

are or want to be a union member

are not or do not want to be a union member

took part or wanted to take part in union activities

Other unfavourable treatment

Your employer must not treat you unfavourably (for example refusing you promotion or training opportunities) if you:

join a union

take part in its meetings

leave a union

What to do if you have a problem

Contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) if you have any questions about trade union membership.

Role of your trade union rep

Trade union reps are not paid but they do get paid time off to do their work as a rep.

What do union reps do?

Reps are there to:

discuss any concerns you have about your employer

go with (‘accompany’) you to disciplinary or grievance hearings with management

represent you in negotiations (‘collective bargaining’) over your pay and terms and conditions of employment

meet with your employer to find solutions to workplace issues

develop the best possible health and safety procedures with your employer

Employers must consult with union reps if:

there is going to be a business transfer or takeover

they are planning to make 20 or more people redundant within 90 days

Your right to be accompanied

You have the right to be accompanied by your union rep to some meetings with management - for example, if:

you’re facing a disciplinary charge

you wish to raise a grievance with your employer

If your union rep cannot attend, you may be able to rearrange the meeting or ask a work colleague to go with you.

Becoming a union rep

If you become a union rep, find out what rights you have.

Union negotiations with your employer

How collective bargaining works

Your employer and trade union must agree on how collective bargaining will be done including:

which union, rep or official will represent a group of workers or employees (this group is called a ‘bargaining unit’)

who is included in the bargaining unit

how often meetings will take place

what issues they’ll discuss

how disagreements will be handled

how collective bargaining will work if more than one union is recognised

Collective agreements

Collective agreements can cover all staff - not just union members.

Your employment contract may say which collective agreements cover you if:

your employer recognises more than one trade union

1 union is recognised to negotiate for more than 1 bargaining unit

going with members to disciplinary and grievance meetings

Joining a trade union

Joining a trade union

negotiating agreements with employers on pay and conditions

discussing big changes like large scale redundancy

discussing members’ concerns with employers

Find a union to join

The union rep will tell you if you’re eligible to join and give you a membership form to fill in.

Trade union contact details

You can also use the TUC’s interactive tool to help you find a trade union in your workplace, or one which covers your type of job.

Trade union membership subscriptions

Paying your membership subs

You can pay your subs by:

having the amount taken by your employer from your pay and sent to the union (otherwise known as ‘check-off’)

direct debit

cash

cheque

Paying by check-off

Your employer is responsible for making sure that any check-off payments they make are legal.

What to do if you have a problem

If you have a problem with your check-off payments, try to discuss the issue with your employer and your trade union first.

If your complaint is successful the employment tribunal can order your employer to pay you the value of the unauthorised payments.

Trade union membership: your employment rights

You have the right to:

choose to join or not join a union

decide to leave or remain a member of a union

belong to the union you choose, even if it’s not the one your employer negotiates with on pay, terms and conditions

belong to more than one union

Your employer is not allowed to:

offer you a benefit to leave a trade union

threaten to treat you unfairly if you do not leave a union

Refusing to employ you for trade union membership reasons

An employer or employment agency is not allowed to insist that you:

join or leave a trade union

leave one union for another

Dismissal for trade union membership reasons

Your employer is not allowed to dismiss you or choose you for redundancy because you:

are or want to be a union member

are not or do not want to be a union member

took part or wanted to take part in union activities

Other unfavourable treatment

Your employer must not treat you unfavourably (for example refusing you promotion or training opportunities) if you:

join a union

take part in its meetings

leave a union

What to do if you have a problem

Contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) if you have any questions about trade union membership.

Role of your trade union rep

A trade union representative (‘rep’) is a union member who represents and gives advice to colleagues when they have problems at work.

Trade union reps are not paid but they do get paid time off to do their work as a rep.

What do union reps do?

Reps are there to:

discuss any concerns you have about your employer

go with (‘accompany’) you to disciplinary or grievance hearings with management

represent you in negotiations (‘collective bargaining’) over your pay and terms and conditions of employment

meet with your employer to find solutions to workplace issues

develop the best possible health and safety procedures with your employer

Employers must consult with union reps if:

there is going to be a business transfer or takeover

they are planning to make 20 or more people redundant within 90 days

Your right to be accompanied

You have the right to be accompanied by your union rep to some meetings with management - for example, if:

you’re facing a disciplinary charge

you wish to raise a grievance with your employer

If your union rep cannot attend, you may be able to rearrange the meeting or ask a work colleague to go with you.

Becoming a union rep

If you become a union rep, find out what rights you have.

Union negotiations with your employer

How collective bargaining works

Your employer and trade union must agree on how collective bargaining will be done including:

which union, rep or official will represent a group of workers or employees (this group is called a ‘bargaining unit’)

who is included in the bargaining unit

how often meetings will take place

what issues they’ll discuss

how disagreements will be handled

how collective bargaining will work if more than one union is recognised

Collective agreements

Collective agreements can cover all staff - not just union members.

Your employment contract may say which collective agreements cover you if:

your employer recognises more than one trade union

1 union is recognised to negotiate for more than 1 bargaining unit


I am 78, partially disabled and have a part-time carer employed to help me with daily tasks. I would like to visit my eldest daughter in Belgium, which will require me to take a car ferry to Antwerp. How much notice do I need to give the ferry company that I may need assistance?

If you need to make specific arrangements for your journey (for example if you have certain accommodation or seating requirements), you should tell the cruise line, ferry service, travel agent or tour operator at least 48 hours before departure.

Transport support services for disabled people

Trains

You can give National Rail train companies advance notice if you think you’ll need any help from staff.

You can also check if a station has accessible facilities.

Wheelchairs on trains

On mainline (intercity, suburban and cross-country) trains there’s space for your wheelchair. Put your chair in this space and use the brakes (or switch your wheelchair’s power off) when the train’s moving.

How to get help

All licensed train companies must be able to tell you:

what services and facilities are available

how to get assistance - including when there are disruptions

This is called an Accessible Travel Policy (ATP). You can get a copy of an ATP from the train company.

Disabled person’s railcard

If you’re eligible you can get up to a third off rail tickets by applying for a disabled person’s railcard. You must provide evidence of a relevant disability.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the train company directly.

If you cannot resolve the complaint, you may be able to complain to the Rail Ombudsman. They can only consider complaints about companies that have joined the Rail Ombudsman scheme.

Planes

Tell your airline at least 48 hours before departure if you’ll need help.

Airlines and airports have different facilities for disabled people. Find out from your airport or airline if they have the facilities you need, for example a toilet with disabled access.

Help at the airport

If you have a sensory, physical or learning disability which affects your mobility when using transport, at airports in the UK and EU you have the right to:

help at specific arrival points, such as at terminal entrances, at transport interchanges and in car parks

help to reach check-in

help with registration at check-in

help with moving through the airport if you need it, including to toilets

help to board the plane

You’ll also have the right to help because of your age or a temporary illness or injury - for example if you’ve broken your leg and it’s in a cast.

You can travel with up to 2 items of mobility equipment free of charge if you’re disabled. This will not count as part of your baggage allowance.

Help on the plane

If you have a sensory, physical or learning disability which affects your mobility on a flight, in the UK and EU you have the right to:

get information about your flight in a way you understand it

help to find a seat that is suited to your needs

help to move around the plane, including to toilets

Taking your wheelchair on the plane

You cannot take your own wheelchair into the passenger cabin of a plane - it will be stored in the hold. Speak to your airline to find out what help they’ll provide when boarding.

Tell your airline, travel agent or tour operator as soon as possible if you’re taking on a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid.

Travelling with a companion

You must travel with a companion if you’re not self reliant, for example if you need help with feeding, breathing, using medication or using the toilet.

The airline you’re flying with will do their best to make sure you sit next to each other, so long as you tell them at least 48 hours before departure.

Travelling with an assistance dog

You have the right to travel with your assistance dog. You’ll need to follow the rules on pet travel.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the airport or airline directly.

If you cannot resolve the problem with them, you can complain to either:

an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body

the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if the airline or airport does not have an agreement with an ADR

Cars, buses and coaches

Find out what you need to do if you’re driving and you have a medical condition or disability, for example learning to drive and getting insured.

You may be able to get a Blue Badge so you can park closer to where you want to go.

The Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme can help you with leasing a car, powered wheelchair or scooter.

Buses and coaches

You can get a bus pass for free travel if you’re disabled. Passes from councils in England can be used anywhere in England:

at any time on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday

from 9:30am to 11pm on any other day

For travel outside of these times, contact the relevant council.

Help getting on and off

The law says bus and coach drivers must give reasonable assistance to disabled people, for example by helping them get on and off the bus or coach. This does not mean physically lifting passengers or heavy mobility equipment.

If you need help to get on and off a coach, you should ask for this when you book your ticket.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the bus or coach service operator directly.

If you cannot resolve the problem with the operator, contact:

Bus Users UK for complaints about services outside of London

London TravelWatch for complaints about services in London

your local government ombudsman for complaints about bus passes

Taxis and minicabs

Licensed taxis can be hailed on the street, picked up at ranks or pre-booked, but you can only pre-book minicabs (also called ‘private hire vehicles’).

Wheelchair access

In some areas (mainly larger cities), licensed taxis have to be wheelchair accessible.

To find out if there are accessible taxis near you, contact the taxi licensing office at your local council.

London taxis

In London, all black cabs are wheelchair accessible.

Some of the newer ‘black cabs’ are also fitted with induction loops and intercoms for hearing aid users.

Assistance dogs

If you travel with an assistance dog they must be allowed into the taxi or minicab with you, unless the driver has an exemption certificate. This can be issued if they’ve got a medical condition made worse by contact with dogs.

A driver with an exemption certificate will have a ‘Notice of Exemption’ notice on their vehicle windscreen.

It’s illegal to be charged extra to travel in a taxi or minicab with an assistance dog. Otherwise the driver could be fined up to £1,000.

The following types of dog can be taken with you in taxis or minicabs:

guide dogs

hearing dogs

assistance dogs trained by Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs or Canine Partners

Travelling with your dog

Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers have been told how to identify assistance dogs.

Your assistance dog should wear its harness or identification jacket when you are travelling with it. If an identification card was issued for the dog, this should also be carried.

Dogs should remain on the floor and under control at all times. If your dog causes any damage to the vehicle, the driver could ask you to pay for it.

Report a problem

As well as the rules on wheelchairs and assistance dogs, all taxi and minicab drivers must make sure they do not discriminate against you and cannot treat you less favourably than other customers. They should also make any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to their service for you to make your journey easier.

You should report any problems to the taxi licensing office at your local council.

Ships

You can get help if you’re disabled and travelling on any of the following:

a cruise ship that’s leaving from a port within the UK

a ferry that’s leaving from or going to a port within the UK

a local ferry service, for example by river bus

Travelling with a carer

You should let the cruise line or ferry service know if you need to travel with a carer. On a ferry, your carer might be able to travel for free.

Help getting on and off

Tell the cruise line or ferry service at least 48 hours before departure if you need help getting on and off the ship.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the cruise line or ferry service company directly.

If it cannot be resolved you can contact an independent organisation to look into your complaint.

In England or Wales, you can contact:

Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), for complaints about ferries

London Travel Watch, for complaints about London River Bus services

Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), for complaints about cruises

In Scotland, you can contact Transport Scotland.

In Northern Ireland, you can contact the Consumer Council of Northern Ireland.

Wheelchairs

Shopmobility lends wheelchairs and powered scooters to people who are disabled so they can shop or visit leisure facilities in a town, city or shopping centre.

Trains

You can also check if a station has accessible facilities.

Wheelchairs on trains

How to get help

All licensed train companies must be able to tell you:

what services and facilities are available

how to get assistance - including when there are disruptions

This is called an Accessible Travel Policy (ATP). You can get a copy of an ATP from the train company.

Disabled person’s railcard

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the train company directly.

Planes

Tell your airline at least 48 hours before departure if you’ll need help.

Help at the airport

help to reach check-in

help with registration at check-in

help with moving through the airport if you need it, including to toilets

help to board the plane

Help on the plane

get information about your flight in a way you understand it

help to find a seat that is suited to your needs

help to move around the plane, including to toilets

Taking your wheelchair on the plane

Travelling with a companion

Travelling with an assistance dog

You have the right to travel with your assistance dog. You’ll need to follow the rules on pet travel.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the airport or airline directly.

If you cannot resolve the problem with them, you can complain to either:

an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body

the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if the airline or airport does not have an agreement with an ADR

Cars, buses and coaches

You may be able to get a Blue Badge so you can park closer to where you want to go.

The Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme can help you with leasing a car, powered wheelchair or scooter.

Buses and coaches

at any time on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday

from 9:30am to 11pm on any other day

For travel outside of these times, contact the relevant council.

Help getting on and off

If you need help to get on and off a coach, you should ask for this when you book your ticket.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the bus or coach service operator directly.

If you cannot resolve the problem with the operator, contact:

Bus Users UK for complaints about services outside of London

London TravelWatch for complaints about services in London

your local government ombudsman for complaints about bus passes

Taxis and minicabs

Wheelchair access

In some areas (mainly larger cities), licensed taxis have to be wheelchair accessible.

London taxis

In London, all black cabs are wheelchair accessible.

Assistance dogs

The following types of dog can be taken with you in taxis or minicabs:

guide dogs

hearing dogs

assistance dogs trained by Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs or Canine Partners

Travelling with your dog

Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers have been told how to identify assistance dogs.

Report a problem

You should report any problems to the taxi licensing office at your local council.

Ships

You can get help if you’re disabled and travelling on any of the following:

a cruise ship that’s leaving from a port within the UK

a ferry that’s leaving from or going to a port within the UK

a local ferry service, for example by river bus

Travelling with a carer

Help getting on and off

Report a problem

If it cannot be resolved you can contact an independent organisation to look into your complaint.

In England or Wales, you can contact:

Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), for complaints about ferries

London Travel Watch, for complaints about London River Bus services

Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), for complaints about cruises

In Scotland, you can contact Transport Scotland.

In Northern Ireland, you can contact the Consumer Council of Northern Ireland.

Wheelchairs