Trade Unions and Industrial Action
Trade unions and staff councils play an important role in the employment relationship, particularly where they are formally recognised. They provide a collective voice for employees and help ensure that workplace decisions are made with transparency and consultation.
At Thrive Law, we support employers in building positive, constructive relationships with trade unions and staff councils based on collaboration, respect and open communication. We understand the complexities these relationships can involve and work with employers to achieve fair and balanced outcomes.
How We Support Employers
We have significant experience supporting organisations across highly unionised sectors — including local authorities, schools, police forces, and large public and private sector employers.
We can advise on:
- Applications for union recognition and recognition agreements
- Collective bargaining and consultation processes
- Industrial relations strategy and communication planning
- Managing and resolving disputes with employee representatives
- Responding to proposed or actual industrial action
- Ensuring compliance with legal duties and procedural requirements
Our aim is always to support employers to achieve constructive, sustainable working relationships that avoid conflict where possible.
Setting Up Staff Councils and Employee Forums
Not all workplaces are unionised – and many employers choose to establish a staff council, employee forum or consultative committee to ensure employee voices are heard in a meaningful way.
We can support employers to:
- Design and establish a staff council or employee representative body
- Draft clear Terms of Reference, Constitution, or Memorandum of Understanding
- Define the scope of the council’s authority and consultation roles
- Ensure compliance with legal obligations around consultation and employee representation
- Train managers and representatives on how to participate effectively
- Embed constructive communication channels and processes
A well-structured staff council can improve engagement, trust, and involvement, while reducing the risk of grievances or disputes arising.
Collective Consultation and Organisational Change
Trade unions and staff councils play a key role in consultation relating to:
- Large-scale redundancies
- Restructures and reorganisations
- TUPE transfers
We support employers to:
- Plan legally compliant and well-structured consultation processes
- Communicate clearly and effectively with representatives
- Manage documentation and meeting schedules
- Reduce disruption, maintain morale and avoid escalation
Handled well, consultation can build cooperation, not conflict.
Industrial Action and Dispute Support
Where relations become strained, we provide strategic guidance on:
- Assessing whether industrial action ballots and notices are lawful
- Responding proportionately and lawfully to strike action
- Maintaining business continuity during disruption
- De-escalating conflict and bringing parties back to negotiation
We aim to help employers navigate difficult periods with clarity, confidence and respect.
Our Approach
We believe strong employee relations are built on:
- Respect
- Transparency
- Communication
- Shared problem-solving
We advocate for a collaborative and proactive approach with employee representatives, as this is often the most effective path to long-term stability and positive workplace culture.
Get in Touch
Whether you are navigating a consultation process, facing an industrial relations issue, or looking to establish a staff council, our specialist employment lawyers are here to help.
Contact us at enquiries@thrivelaw.co.uk to speak with one of our team.
We will support you to build constructive relationships and manage staff representation confidently and lawfully.
