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ARTICLE · 15 JULY 2025

Trade Union Recognition

Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin
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Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin

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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...

United KingdomEmployment and HR
David Hopper
David Hopper
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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.

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 new Labour Government is committed to profound legislative changes to strengthen their rights. Trade union recognition should therefore remain on the agenda for all UK HR leaders, including in traditionally non-unionised sectors.

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