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14th June 2007

NEWS IN BRIEF

UNIONS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

The TUC is targeting non-unionised companies across the UK to convince reluctant employers that, rather than posing a threat to them, union involvement can be beneficial to their businesses.

Over the last few weeks, it has sent out 2,000 copies of a new leaflet, 'An employers' introduction to trade unions', to small and medium-sized firms to show that unionised workplaces tend to be safer, better trained and more productive.

Using figures gathered by the Government, the leaflet shows that:

• The involvement of union workplace reps in disputes between individuals and their employers can stop cases from having to go to employment tribunals, saving the UK up to £43m in unnecessary applications to the courts.
• Over 15,000 learning reps help make work-based training courses happen, improving skills to the tune of up to £146m in terms of increased productivity.
• Union safety reps can save the economy as much as £578m a year by ensuring workplaces become less hazardous and causing fewer days to be lost as a result of work-related injuries and illnesses.

To download 'An employers' introduction to trade unions', go to:
www.tuc.org.uk/extras/employersintro.pdf

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