Labour Research January 2022

Union news

Union density

The problem of low union density in the private sector can only be overcome if organising activity is stepped up in specific growth sectors, a recent study indicates.

While the issue of low unionisation in the private sector is well documented, a recent paper from the Unions21 think tank compares growth forecasts of specific industries with union density rates. It finds that density is highest in industries that are set to contract or grow slowly, and lowest in those set to create the most new jobs.

It also finds that, even in the public sector, union density tends to be lower in the occupations within the sector that are growing.

https://unions21.org.uk/files/CWoW-Future-of-Unions.pdf