Majority of employers expecting workforce turbulence

The majority of employers in the UK think that employee relations are heading into a more turbulent period, according to the latest study to be published.

This study was produced by the CIPD and it shows that almost two-thirds of employers (62%) feel that way. Over 2,000 of them took part in the study, which is called ‘UK Industrial Relations: A Future with Trade Unions’. The goal of the study was to find out the extent of unionisation in UK workplaces and how employers feel about their relationships with their workers. It also sought their opinions about aspects of the Employment Rights Bill that will strengthen trade unions.

The results could best be described as ‘mixed’, with 56% of them stating collaboration with unions can bring benefits for companies. Meanwhile, 79% told the study that the relations between employees and management in their organisations were either good or very good.

On the other hand, 54% believe that there will be a rise in strike action over the coming year, and 69% think that trade unions can damage the economy. This is an area where both sides might benefit from third-party mediation. That is something an employee relations consultant in Hertfordshire or elsewhere can provide.

Among the Employment Rights Bill measures that concern employers are the reduced notice period needed for strike action and the extension of the strike action mandate period. The former would be cut to 10 days from the current 14, while the latter would be extended to a year from the current six months.