The CIPD is warning employers that they need to stay up to date with recent legislation in the area of union recognition and industrial relations.

Mike Emmott, employee relations adviser, “Employers have too much at stake to remain unaware of the rules affecting trade union activity. The costs of industrial action, in terms of output, productivity and legal penalties can be crippling, quite apart from possible longer-term damage to the employer’s reputation and business. The new laws surrounding statutory union recognition and impending European legislation on workplace consultation mean it is critical for employers to have processes in place for working in partnership with employees. Effective management of employee relations remains crucial for the successful operation of any business. This is so, despite the long-term decline in numbers of lost days due to industrial disputes.”