Barnardo's agreement with UNISON

Public services union UNISON has reached an important sole recognition agreement with children's charity Barnardo's, on behalf of 6,000 staff.

UNISON said it marked the latest step in a "positive relationship" between the union and the charity. General secretary Dave Prentis said: "I hope this beacon agreement will set an example to others in the community and voluntary sector about the benefits of a partnership approach to employee relations."

UNISON has about 42,000 members in the voluntary sector, and is one of several unions attempting to build up membership in that area.