Trade unions are a common feature of the UK workplace in many sectors.
As a result, businesses need to be aware of the laws which protect trade unions and the activities of their members. Even where a union is not formally recognised for collective bargaining purposes, businesses are still likely to encounter trade union members and their activities on a regular basis.
How Hill Dickinson can help
Hill Dickinson has a wealth of experience in handling all forms of trade union and collective labour issues. We work with clients to resolve industrial relations issues efficiently and effectively to ensure minimal disruption to business operations.
We can provide expert advice and support with:
- Trade union recognition disputes
- Industrial action issues e.g. compliance with statutory requirements, industrial action injunctions and pursuing claims against trades unions for damages arising out of unlawful industrial action
- Trade union-related individual employment claims e.g. time off for union representatives, disciplinary action against trade union representatives and complaints for dismissal or detrimental treatment on trade union grounds
- The negotiation and preparation of collective agreements
- Advice and drafting in relation to works councils
In addition to a raft of internal promotions, Hill
Dickinson LLP’s Liverpool office also acquired a team of four from
Halliwells led by Kerstie Skeaping, adding significant experience
in tribunal hearings, and in trade union matters and industrial
relations. Jeff Middleton now leads the team.
This
team has a strong reputation for advising NHS clients, and it
continues to grow on the corporate side, too. Recent highlights
include representing the Law Society in High Court proceedings
relating to TUPE. Other notable clients include Leeds Teaching
Hospitals NHS Trust, Iceland Foods and the North West Development
Agency.
