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Equality Audit 2014: Improving representation and participation in trade unions

Report type
Research and reports
Issue date

The TUC Equality Audit 2014 looks at the steps trade unions are taking to ensure they reflect the diversity of the workforce and how they are promoting equality and tackling discrimination in all that they do.

Questionnaires were sent to all 54 TUC affiliated unions in November 2013 for completion by the end of January 2014. Completed questionnaires were received from 36 unions, representing 67 per cent of affiliates. This is a significantly lower response rate than for the last equivalent audit in 2011. Then, 48 out of 55 TUC affiliates participated, a response rate of 87 per cent.

In 2011 only one union with more than 10,000 members failed to respond to the Audit as well as six unions with fewer than 10,000. However, in 2014 six unions with more than 10,000 members failed to respond and 12 unions with fewer than 10,000.

The smaller number of unions responding makes comparison with previous years difficult. While the percentage figures for the latest year may at times look higher than in 2011, the base of unions covered is different, so caution must be exercised.

Although the response rate was not as good as previous years, the 2014 audit covers over 5.6 million members or 95 per cent of all TUC-affiliated union members.

The audit was carried out by the Labour Research Department on behalf of the TUC.

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