Learn how our trade union solicitors can help resolve complex industrial relations
We recognise the challenges that come with operating in industries where trade unions play a significant role. Whether you’re in manufacturing, public services, or another unionised sector, managing relationships with unions is key to maintaining smooth operations and ensuring business continuity. With our sector-specific knowledge, we’re here to help you handle these relationships effectively, balancing your business needs with positive industrial relations.
Our team provides in-depth support when it comes to trade union negotiations and disputes, working closely with you to protect your business while maintaining a productive and respectful dialogue with unions. We have experience in collective bargaining, resolving disputes, and addressing industrial action, all with a focus on finding practical solutions that meet the needs of both sides.
We take a proactive approach to ensuring that your business remains compliant with union laws, while also preparing you for any potential challenges that might arise. Whether you’re negotiating a new agreement, dealing with grievances, or facing the possibility of industrial action, we offer clear and practical advice that’s tailored to your situation. Our goal is to resolve disputes quickly and effectively, minimising disruption to your operations.
We’re committed to helping you build and maintain strong relationships with trade unions, supporting your business goals while creating a fair and cooperative working environment. With our expert guidance, you can handle union-related matters with confidence, knowing that you have the right support to keep your operations running smoothly.
Specialising in Trade Union Law law
Negotiation support for recognition
We provide expert support in negotiating both voluntary and statutory recognition agreements with trade unions. Our team helps businesses navigate the complexities of these negotiations, ensuring that the process is fair and transparent while fostering a positive relationship with unions and aligning with your organisational goals.
Collective bargaining expertise
Our specialists offer comprehensive expertise in collective bargaining and contract terms disputes. We assist businesses in understanding their rights and obligations, negotiating favourable terms, and resolving conflicts effectively. With our guidance, organisations can achieve fair agreements that support workforce stability and align with strategic objectives.
Understanding union tactics
With a deep understanding of trade union tactics and negotiation strategies, we equip businesses with the knowledge needed to engage effectively. Our insights help organisations anticipate union actions and prepare responses that protect business interests while promoting constructive dialogue, ultimately leading to more successful negotiations.
Proactive industrial action prevention
We take a proactive approach to preventing industrial action by identifying potential issues before they escalate. Our team works closely with businesses to develop strategies that address employee concerns, maintain open lines of communication and foster a harmonious workplace.
Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
- Our team offer prompt and professional service, whether through in-person meetings or virtual consultations, you can trust that our advice will be timely and professional, helping you feel confident in your legal matters, every step of the way
- We provide advice that is not only pragmatic and quick but also easy to understand. Every lawyer in our firm is approachable, helpful, and committed to offering reliable legal solutions, making the process straightforward for clients
- Our clear and easily understandable approach has kept clients coming back for years, knowing they can depend on us for comprehensive legal support time and time again
- Our clients regularly highlight the exceptional expertise and professionalism of our lawyers. Our team cares deeply about every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive a thorough and attentive service
Tier 1 expertise in union matters
Our employment team is ranked Tier 1 in The Legal 500 – recognised for delivering exceptional legal services in trade union matters. Our commitment to excellence ensures clients receive tailored advice and representation, empowering them to address the complexities of union engagement effectively while safeguarding their business interests.
Sector-specific expertise in union relations
Our deep sector-specific knowledge in highly unionised industries enables us to provide invaluable insights tailored to your unique business environment. We understand the intricacies of each sector, equipping us to address the challenges you face and formulate effective strategies that foster strong, collaborative relationships with trade unions.
Expertise in trade union negotiations
With extensive experience in handling complex trade union negotiations and disputes, our team excels at developing effective strategies to achieve optimal outcomes. We navigate high-stakes negotiations with professionalism and care, ensuring that your business interests are protected while maintaining positive relationships with union representatives.
Building strong union relationships
Our strategic approach to building functional relationships with unions focuses on creating a collaborative environment that benefits all parties involved. We aim to resolve routine and challenging union-related matters effectively, enhancing workplace harmony while safeguarding your organisation’s operational needs and long-term objectives.
Meet our Trade Union Law team
David Browne
Partner & Head of Employment Law
Philip Pepper
Partner & Head of Commercial, IP & Employment
Esther Maxwell
Partner
Jon Heuvel
Partner
Matt McDonald
Partner
Nick Jones
Partner - Employment
Rhys Wyborn
Partner
Sandeep Leighs
Partner
Tom Long
Partner
Emma Oliver
Legal Director
Ewan Carr
Legal Director
Danielle Humphries
Associate
Emma Noble
Associate
Lubna Laheria
Associate
Amy Richardson
Solicitor
Building a responsible business
Our commitment to sustainability and social impact
We are an accredited B Corporation that is committed to driving positive change in our communities, minimising our impact on the environment, and ensuring an all inclusive diverse and supportive culture for our people.
Wherever you are on your journey, our Trade Union Law specialists are here to answer any questions you might have
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours
Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below
Call Us: 0330 024 0333
Trade Union Law FAQs
Engaging trade union solicitors benefits your business by ensuring compliance with employment laws and facilitating effective negotiation during collective bargaining. Our expertise helps to proactively manage disputes, reducing the risk of industrial action while fostering positive workforce relations. Additionally, we provide training for HR teams, allowing your business to navigate union matters confidently and focus on core operations.
We have extensive experience handling trade union matters across various sectors, including healthcare, education, construction, manufacturing, the public sector, and transport and logistics.
Our expertise enables us to navigate the challenges within these industries, ensuring compliance with employment laws, managing negotiations effectively, and fostering positive industrial relations.
We begin by understanding your organisation’s goals and workforce dynamics, followed by comprehensive research on the union’s history and tactics – engaging key stakeholders ensures transparency and fosters effective communication.
We develop a clear negotiation strategy that outlines desired outcomes while maintaining open dialogue with the union to build trust. Our goal is to achieve a mutually beneficial resolution that supports your business interests and promotes a positive relationship with union representatives, ultimately fostering effective industrial relations.
To prevent industrial action, we employ proactive strategies tailored to your organisation’s needs, including establishing open communication channels between management and employees to address concerns promptly.
We monitor workplace morale, negotiate fair collective agreements, and implement clear procedures for resolving disputes quickly. These approaches help create a positive work environment that minimises the risk of industrial action while strengthening relationships between management, employees, and trade unions.
Collective bargaining is the process through which employers and trade unions negotiate the terms and conditions of employment on behalf of employees. This process typically involves discussions about wages, working hours, benefits, workplace safety, and other employment conditions.
We help you prepare for collective bargaining by developing a clear strategy that aligns with your business objectives and represent you during the negotiations process ensuring your interests are effectively communicated and advocated for.
We handle disputes over terms and conditions of contracts through a structured and strategic approach designed to achieve favourable resolutions for our clients including:
- Thorough assessment of the contract, including analysing the context, understanding the intentions of the parties involved, and identifying any legal implications.
- Open communication between the parties to clarify misunderstandings, which may lead to a resolution without the need for formal proceedings.
- Employing negotiation techniques to reach an amicable settlement.
- If negotiations do not yield satisfactory results, we can explore alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration.
- Should disputes escalate to litigation, our experienced legal team is prepared to represent your interests in court.
We offer comprehensive support for work council negotiations, with our expert legal advice tailored to your specific needs to help you understand your rights and obligations. We assist in preparing negotiation strategies that align with your business objectives and can represent your organisation during discussions to effectively advocate for your interests.
Additionally, we provide training for management and HR teams on engaging with work councils, equipping them with the skills necessary for successful negotiations. Should conflicts arise, we offer dispute resolution strategies to minimise disruptions. With our expertise, you can approach work council negotiations with confidence, achieving outcomes that support your organisational goals while fostering positive employee relations.
