Home > News > News: New rights for unions to be consulted about workplace changes
Share

New rights for unions to be consulted about workplace changes

Dave Prentis: Employers who fail to consult staff about working conditions will be taken to court.

Employers will obliged to consult unions on all issues affecting their members at work, including job losses, working hours and holiday pay, following a second major victory of the summer for UNISON in the courts.

Just two days after the Supreme Court outlawed tribunal fees, the Court of Appeal ruled that unions have a right to be consulted on all issues affecting members in the workplace, not just those specified in existing laws, such as redundancy and the transfer of workers from one employer to another under the TUPE regulations.

UNISON claimed the ruling will benefit thousands of employees whose rights at work are under threat and means that employers will face greater scrutiny over their treatment of staff.

Greater protection at work

General secretary Dave Prentis said: “This is the second major legal victory in a week for working people. It means that employees in any workplace where there’s a union will now benefit from greater protection at work.

“The message to bosses is they will have to treat their staff more fairly over pay and working conditions. If they fail to consult unions then they will be acting unlawfully and could be taken to court.”

The appeal court ruled that UNISON had the right to be consulted by Wandsworth Council over planned job losses affecting parks police. It also ruled that UNISON’s rights to consultation under Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to form trade unions, had been breached.

If you’d like to read more from MiP, sign up to receive our free monthly emails – we’ll keep you up to date on news and events in health and care management

Digital illustration of workers contained in a hierarchy of coloured boxes

Agenda for Change, introduced 20 years ago, was supposed to put an end to inconsistency and unfairness in how NHS staff are paid. But staff shortages and tight budgets mean many staff are now graded below the level of the work they’re doing. It’s time to modernise the system, says Rhys McKenzie.

07 October 2024 | By Rhys McKenzie
Feature
Close up portrait of paramedic Lauren Setchell, who was abused by a patient later charged with sexual assault

Special Report: People in public-facing jobs are being confronted by more violence and abuse at work, and the NHS is at the sharp end. Existing policies are failing – we need a more co-ordinated and energetic approach to tackle the root causes and protect the staff who care for others.

18 September 2024 | By Craig Ryan
Feature
Tense meeting in a workplace canteen

If you’re facing discrimination at work, MiP is there to support you with expert advice and representation. Jo Seery and Helen Carr explain how to build your case and get the best result for you and your colleagues.

09 July 2024 | By Jo Seery and Helen Carr
Feature
Fuel guage showing empty

Under pressure from political demands and relentless organisational change, many board-level NHS managers are feeling the effects of burnout and contemplating leaving the NHS, according to MiP’s ’Sounding Board’ of senior members and the union’s evidence to the pay review body.

22 April 2024 | By Rhys McKenzie
Feature
Baby close up with toy in mouth

With constant upheaval in the health service, new mothers working for the NHS are often anxious about going back to work. Jo Seery explains the rights women have when returning after maternity leave.

30 January 2024 | By Jo Seery
Legal Eye
Sign in desert indicating dangerous bends for 4 miles

Disabled managers often feel more at risk of losing their jobs during organisational change, despite legal protection under equality legislation. Jo Seery looks at the obligations on employers and explains what to do if you’ve been treated unfairly.

06 October 2023 | By Jo Seery
Legal Eye
Transformation programme manager, NHS South West London CCG Prince Obike

Meet Your Reps: Prince Obike works at the forefront of change in the NHS while supporting MiP members as a union MiP rep and National Committee member. He talks to us about his incredibly varied career and the real value of management jobs.

06 October 2023 | By Craig Ryan
MiP at work
Blurred picture of raised hands in a meeting

With the relentless upheaval in the NHS, voluntary redundancy may seem like a chance to get out while the going’s good. But not all schemes offer a good deal and government rules and tax policy can eat into your settlement.

14 September 2023 | By Rhys McKenzie
Feature
Flock of migrant birds flying in V-formation

Workers from overseas have been part of the health and care family since the NHS began. They are valued and respected colleagues who face many extra challenges in the workplace and beyond. Katia Widlak offers her tips on recruiting, supporting, and retaining your migrant workforce.

27 July 2023 | By Katia Widlak
Tipster
Man pinning note to investigation board

Before taking any disciplinary action, your employer must carry out a fair investigation into the allegations against you. We explain your legal rights and what employers must to do to ensure a investigation is above board.

13 July 2023 | By Jo Seery
Legal Eye
123>>

Related News