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Trade unions

Guidance and Codes of Practice for trade unions to follow in the workplace

Guidance on trade unions in the workplace can be found on businesslink.gov.uk (for employers) and Directgov (for workers):

BIS guidance 

Facilities and facility time review

The 'Workplace Representatives: a review of their facilities and facility time' looked at the role of facilities and facility time in the workplace.

Facilities and facility time review

Trade union statistics

BIS is responsible, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS), for publishing the National Statistics on trade union membership.

Trade union statistics 

Consultation: The blacklisting of trade unionists

BIS ran a consultation which sought views on draft regulations to outlaw the blacklisting of trade unionists.  The consultation closed on the 18th August 2009. 

Government response to consultation and Final Impact Assessment on the blacklisting of trade unionists: revised draft regulations

Union Modernisation Fund (UMF)

The UMF provides financial assistance to independent trade unions and their federations. It supports innovative projects which speed unions' adaptation to a changing labour market and new ways of working.

Union Modernisation Fund 

Partnership at Work Fund

The Partnership at Work Fund was a government grant scheme established in 1999 to encourage the development of industrial relations by encouraging employers and employees to work together effectively.

Following the review of the scheme in 2004 as part of the Business Support review the Fund was - in its then current format - closed.

Historic information on the partnership at work fund (National Archives site) 

Guidance on employment law

BIS guidance on employment rights and responsibilities can be found on the businesslink.gov.uk website for employers and the Directgov website for workers.