Unionised workplace training, managing union reps, union negotiations skills, ERA 2025 compliance for managers
The Employment Rights Act 2025 has changed what day‑to‑day management looks like in unionised workplaces. Expanded recognition rules, new routes to protective awards and stricter detriment provisions mean line managers now carry exposure they may not recognise. Unions continue to invest heavily in structured, intensive training for their reps, a level of preparation unmatched by the 92% of UK employers who have not trained any line managers at all in union relations. This capability gap results in avoidable disputes, formal grievances and escalating union pressure.
For over 30 years, BFI has trained HR teams and line managers across high‑risk, heavily unionised sectors, including major retailers and complex public services. That experience means we understand the pressures managers face: delivering operational targets while dealing with confident, well‑trained reps. Participants gain the practical skills to maintain authority, uphold process and prevent issues from becoming formal disputes.
Training is direct, scenario‑driven and updated immediately as ERA 2025 guidance and case law evolves. We focus on real conversations: challenging facility‑time requests, dealing with reps in performance processes, handling push-back during reorganisations and avoiding procedural errors. Our practical manager playbooks give participants wording, boundaries and clear next steps.
What we cover:
- Employment Rights Act 2025, recognition and detriment risks, What changes mean for everyday management decisions and where managers can now trigger liability.
- Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, lawful interaction with reps, What managers must say, cannot say and how to avoid implied detriment.
- Handling facility time and rep boundaries, Keeping operations on track while meeting statutory requirements.
- Managing conduct and performance with union involvement, Running fair processes, setting expectations and preventing procedural challenge.
- Information disclosure rules in union environments, What reps can request, what is exempt and how to respond correctly.
- Negotiating day‑to‑day issues with trained reps,Techniques to maintain control, limit scope‑creep and keep discussions productive.
- Industrial action basics for managers, Lawful vs unlawful action and practical steps to protect continuity.
- Early dispute resolution skills, Preventing escalation and maintaining constructive working relationships.
Contact Details
Catherine Ouston,
Head of In-House Training
📥 teamtraining@bfi.co.uk
📞 +44(0)1983 861133
