Recognition after 10 years

A recognition deal covering some 5,000 employees has been struck by unions at the children's charity, NCH, after 10 years of campaigning.

The "lead union" in the deal is manufacturing, science and finance union MSF but it will also cover members of public services union UNISON who transfer into NCH from projects run by local authorities.

The agreement follows a ballot of staff last year which showed "overwhelming support" for union recognition, according to MSF.