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Employee Representatives

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employee representative in a non-union workplace

What is an Employee Representative?

An Employee representative speaks officially for colleagues and represents them in employer forums such as managers meetings, disciplinary proceedings, redundancy situations and transfers of undertakings. Employee Representatives are divided into Union Representatives and Non-union Representatives. [see Employee Representative Guide for non-union Workplaces]


The legal framework governing the role is quite complicated and may change because of Brexit. There are at least 15 different pieces of legislation which lay down different rights, as well as Codes of Practice produced by ACAS and the Health & Safety Executive. These provisions are simplified in Employee Representative Guide for non-union Workplaces]


Types of Employee Representatives

Trade Union representatives are appointed by an independent union in workplaces where that union is recognised for collective bargaining purposes. They can include specialist representatives for union learning, health and safety, equality and diversity, information and consultation, pensions and many more. They have more rights in the workplace than non-union employee representatives. If your workplace is non-union, appointing a representative may be the only means through which you can have an effective say in workplace matters. Use the Employee Representative Guide for non-union Workplaces and give yourself a voice at work.


Best of the Web

ACAS – Representation at work

Worksmart – How are Employee Representatives selected to negotiate information and consultation agreements?

Health and Safety Executive – Are you an Employee Representative?

Last Updated: [11/09/2021]