Industrial relations and trade unions

The potential impact of industrial action on service or product delivery cannot be underestimated. It is, therefore, imperative that employers are aware of their rights and options.

We advise employers on their dealings and relationship with trade unions and other representative groups of their workforce. This covers all forms of consultative process and engagement both at a local and national level.

We are particularly experienced at advising on large-scale workforce changes, including changing or harmonising terms and conditions and collective redundancies. We have worked with private sector clients facing requests for compulsory trade union recognition.

Where industrial action is threatened, we work closely with clients in identifying potential areas of legal challenge, particularly regarding the notification and balloting processes and in pursuing preventative measures, such as injunctions. We also assist with practical steps in preparing an options analysis and formulating and implementing relevant contingency plans for essential services and functions, should industrial action go ahead.

Our service is built on clear, focused, strategic support. We don’t sit on the fence. We’ll talk through the options and explain the risks. Then we’ll go one step further by telling you what we would do if we were in your shoes. It’s an approach that our clients tell us adds real value to what we do.