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ARTICLE · 14 APRIL 2026

Trade Union Recognition

Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin
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Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin

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The number of employees who are members of a trade union has continued to fall in recent years. Government data published in May 2025 confirmed that trade union membership fell to a record low of only 22% of UK employees in 2024.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
David Hopper
David Hopper
William Brown
William Brown
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Trade unions exist to further the interests of their members and to help regulate their relations with their employers. This Inbrief outlines the concept of trade union recognition and explains the implications for employers of recognising a trade union.

The content includes:

  • Background
  • The concept of recognition
  • Legal status of collective agreements
  • Legal effects of collective agreement on employees' contracts
  • Implications of recognition for unions
  • Implications of recognition for employees
  • Statutory recognition
  • Statutory derecognition

Background

The number of employees who are members of a trade union has continued to fall in recent years. Government data published in May 2025 confirmed that trade union membership fell to a record low of only 22% of UK employees in 2024. Nonetheless, trade unions retain influence in many sectors of the economy and the Labour Government is committed to profound legislative changes to strengthen their rights. Trade union recognition

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