Reps are good citizens in and out of work

According to research conducted by BERR in 2007, union reps are worth between £3.4bn and £10.2bn to the UK economy. Their presence in a workplace brings about a combination of productivity gains, reduced staff turnover, less time off as a result of sickness, improved health and safety and better training for staff.

The figures were released in a report accompanied by a joint statement from the TUC, the CBI employers’ organisation and the government commending the work of union reps and sharing real-life examples of the differences their work can make.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “Union reps can be a vital resource not only for unions and their members but also for the organisations that employ them.” Director general of the CBI Richard Lambert said: “Employers and trade unions who work efficiently and constructively can improve workplace performance for mutual benefit of employer and employee.”

A TUC report, Unions in the community, shows union reps also score highly in the citizenship stakes, being more likely to give their time for community or voluntary work than most people. As well their role in unions, reps are also school governors, trustees, volunteers in sports and social clubs. Campaigning activities included disability or health issues, tackling racism, environmental issues, women’s issues, anti-war campaigns, ‘Pride’ sexual orientation campaigns and refugee issues.

Reps in action: How workplaces can gain from modern union representation: www.berr.gov.uk/files/file51155.pdf

Unions in the community: www.tuc.org.uk/extras/unionsinthecommunity.pdf