Managing employee union representatives

Managing union reps in your team, boundaries, workload, ERA 2025 compliance and constructive working relationships

The Employment Rights Act 2025 has expanded detriment protections and tightened expectations around how employers manage union representatives in their ordinary employee roles. Line managers now face clearer duties but greater personal exposure if conversations about workload, performance or conduct are mishandled. At the same time, unions invest heavily in developing confident, well‑trained reps, preparation unmatched by the 92% of UK employers who have not trained their line managers in union relations. This course equips managers to support reps appropriately while maintaining operational control and preventing escalation.

For over 30 years, BFI has trained managers in sectors where union reps and operational delivery sit in constant tension, including public services and large‑scale retail operations. We understand the real‑world issues: dual loyalties, workload imbalance, inconsistent communication and the risk of small misunderstandings becoming formal disputes. Participants gain clear guidance on boundaries, expectations and lawful management practice.

Training is practical and scenario‑based, built around real conversations managers must handle confidently. We focus on balancing duties, clarifying expectations, addressing conflict early and maintaining fairness across the wider team. Our evidence‑based manager frameworks give participants wording, steps and clear escalation points they can use immediately.