Good news: Barber

Union recognition is rising although some firms are still denying their staff the right to representation, the TUC has claimed.

A report by union leaders finds that the number of firms co-operating with trade unions has increased, but warned many smaller companies are still intimidating their staff from bringing in representation.

The trends report found there had been more than 300 deals - double the previous year - with firms including Boots, American Airlines, the Church of Scotland and Kwik-Fit.

Most were voluntary agreements covering a range of issues including training and pensions as well as pay and conditions.

The report warned that anti-union employers are getting better at exploiting the loopholes in the recognition law to deny staff use of a union.

The TUC demanded ministers tackled the problem in its review of the Employment Relation Act, due to be completed this summer.

"There is still a small minority of employers who are desperate to avoid working with trade unions and are using intimidation and unfair labour practices to deny staff a voice at work," said Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary elect.

"Once again this report shows the dire warnings that recognition rights would lead to difficulties were wrong.

"The vast majority of new deals are coming about through voluntary agreement, and the deals are increasingly covering more than the basics of pay and conditions, covering issues such as pensions and training."