Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Trade union definition

What does Trade union mean? A trade union is an independent workers’ organisation that represents workers collectively in dealings with employers on pay, hours and other terms and conditions, and provides workplace representation in disputes. The term is statutory: in Great Britain it is defined by the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 s.1; in Northern Ireland by the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1995; and in Ireland by the Industrial Relations Act 1990 and Trade Union Acts. Key legal features include voluntary membership and internal rules; collective bargaining and consultation; the ability to seek statutory recognition (GB via the...

Time off for union duties and activities; learning representatives; detriment and dismissal protections; recognition grounds; and repeal of public sector facility time reporting—Acas Code overview (Great Britain)

Published by a LexisNexis Employment expert

Practice notes

Trade union rights relating to union activities

This Practice Note reviews trade union rights connected to union involvement, covering time away from work for union duties and/or activities, and for union learning representatives, where relevant. It also summarises any publication obligations that public authorities may have had, in particular up to 18 February 2026, concerning time off for trade union duties. The Note explains the protection against Detriment and/or dismissal arising from taking part in union activities, accessing union services, or union recognition. It further highlights the Acas Code of Practice on time off for both trade union duties and activities in this area. Several individual statutory rights can arise in defined situations linked to trade union activity:

trade union officials have a right to reasonable paid time off within working hours to carry out specified trade union duties (see Time off for trade union duties, below)
likewise, union learning representatives are entitled to reasonable paid time off in working time for certain defined learning and training purposes (see Time off for union learning representatives, below)
union Members may take time off during working hours for trade union activities...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 22/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...