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The Employment Rights Act introduces major reforms to UK employment law, with changes being implemented in stages from December 2025 through to 2027.

Employment Rights Act

Diploma in employment law

An advanced course for union representatives.

This course will help experienced trade union representatives develop their knowledge and experience of employment law making them more effective as workplace representatives. The course will give reps a better understanding of the trade union approach to employment law and enhance their ability to handle trade union and workplace issues whilst developing attitudes and skills needed for higher level study or activism.

Who is this course for?

The course is designed specifically for experienced trade union reps.

How long is the course?

This course will be delivered over 36 weeks (one academic year).

What will the course help me to do?

The course will help you:

become more effective as a workplace representative
promote a better understanding of the trade union approach to employment law
extend your capacity as a learner, preparing you for union officer posts or higher education opportunities
understand trade union and workplace issues at a deeper level
develop personal/study skills, the ability to work collectively and improve your confidence to study at a higher level.

What are the entry requirements?

Union representatives who wish to take this course should have:

previously attended the TUC stage 1 and 2 union representatives courses; or
obtained a suitable equivalent to the two categories above through their own union's courses or from elsewhere.

Please ensure that you have time off to attend this course and that you have checked with the appropriate union branch official or officer that you intend to take the course.

Please be aware that funding restrictions in some areas may mean that a college cannot accept your application: if this is the case you will be notified which college to reapply to.

What subjects will be studied?

The TUC Diploma is accredited by the NOCN and is divided into several units - three core units and four study skills units.

The changing nature of law
Employment law and the individual
Trade unions and collective rights

How much is the course?

There are no course fees for union reps from TUC affiliated unions.

See our course listings page for availability.

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