New statutory rights for Union Equality Reps

The Employment Rights Act introduces new statutory rights for Union Equality Representatives, recognising the important role they play in creating fairer, more inclusive workplaces.

What does this mean in practice?

These new rights give Equality Reps dedicated time to carry out their role and undertake training, enabling them to work proactively with employers and union members to promote equality, raise awareness, identify barriers and support positive workplace change.

For unions, the new rights provide an opportunity to strengthen workplace organisation, develop a new generation of activists and embed equality more deeply across bargaining, organising and representation. They also create a positive route into union activism for members who are passionate about fairness, inclusion and making a difference in their workplace.

For employers, Equality Reps can be valuable partners in improving workplace culture. By working collaboratively to identify issues, share good practice and develop practical solutions, Equality Reps can help improve staff wellbeing, remove barriers to opportunity, support employee engagement and contribute to more productive and inclusive workplaces.

Could you become an Equality Rep?

Find out more about Equality Rep training and how you can get involved. Any questions contact tuceducation@tuc.org.uk.