Research & Analysis Search

British and Irish unions condemn “repugnant acts of hate on our streets”

The UK’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) have come together to condemn far-right violence and those that incite it, committing to “stand against hate and bring working people together in solidarity.”

16 Jun 2026

Equality

TUC slams Reform’s “shameless and deceptive” attempt to distract from policies which slash women’s rights

The TUC has today (Tuesday) branded Reform UK’s so-called Women and Motherhood Protection Act as a “shameless” attempt to distract from the party’s “sexist” policies and candidates.

16 Jun 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Skills passport survey

The TUC welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Skills Passport Survey conducted by Skills England. This response has been informed by engagement with several of our affiliated trade unions, reflecting perspectives from across the workforce. The TUC has responded to all six questions in the survey.

Julia Jones - 17 Apr 2026

Public services and transport - Consultation response

Reform UK wants to steal your rights - here's how workers are fighting back

Yesterday, union members and supporters held a day of action as part of the stop the steal campaign. Thousands of posters were delivered to workplaces and communities around the country to help spread the word about Reform UK’s threat to repeal the Employment Rights Act.

Matthew Topham - 15 Jun 2026

Union organising

Further education initial teacher training and development

The FE sector is central to delivering skills for economic growth and social mobility. High-quality professional development for FE teachers is essential to maintain standards, address skills shortages, and support inclusive learning. However, systemic barriers, funding constraints, workload pressures, and fragmented provision limit access to CPD.

Julia Jones - 01 Dec 2025

Equality - Consultation response

Mid adult female teacher sitting on desk with classroom door open

Post-16 Level 3 and below pathways

The TUC welcomes the opportunity to respond to the government’s consultation on post-16 Level 3 and below pathways. These pathways are essential for providing learners with clear, high-quality progression routes to further study and employment.

Julia Jones - 01 Jan 2026

Equality - Consultation response

TUC calls for emergency social tariff to shield households from “punishing costs” of Trump’s illegal war

The TUC is today (Thursday) calling for an emergency energy social tariff to shield households from spiralling energy bills as a result of Trump’s illegal war.

11 Jun 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Futureproof social tariffs

TUC proposal for a crisis-proof, targeted, flexible approach to domestic energy support in 2026.

Sam Perry - 11 Jun 2026

Industrial strategy - Policy proposal

Good work is good for you: the link between job quality and life expectancy for North East workers

The North East has some of the lowest Healthy Life Expectancy rates in the country, but this isn't inevitable. Continuing to improve the quality of work is key to bringing long term positive change for working people across the region.

Susanne Nichol - 08 Jun 2026

Health and safety

Sunderland Empire staff at the top of Penshaw Monument.

Reform are no friends of working people, TUC warns after Farage’s appeal to union members

Responding to Nigel Farage’s comments in The Times urging unions to affiliate with Reform UK, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Let’s be crystal clear: Reform are no friends of working people. If they were, they wouldn’t be planning to rip up workers’ rights like day one sick pay and protection from fire and rehire and zero-hours contracts."

09 Jun 2026

Rights at work

Protection from detriments for taking industrial action

The TUC strongly welcomes the government’s preferred option of prohibiting all detriments for taking industrial action.

Peter Wieltschnig - 01 Apr 2026

Rights at work - Consultation response

Make Work Pay: Modernising the Agency Work Regulatory Framework

Our affiliated unions represent agency workers across a range of sectors, both in the private and public sector. Agency work is one of the prevalent forms of insecure work and agency workers are a significant part of the labour market. We estimate that there were at least 789,000 people in the UK working through an employment agency during the final quarter of 2025.

04 Jun 2026

Rights at work - Consultation response

Female daycare worker cleaning changing table surface

Poverty won't fix itself - organised labour must act

We are deep into the twenty-first century, living and working in the sixth largest economy in the world, and yet millions of people in the UK struggle to afford basic items such as food, energy and a decent home to live in.

Laurie Heselden - 04 Jun 2026

Equality

Mother With Son Trying To Keep Warm By Radiator At Home During Cost Of Living Energy Crisis

Why more than one million young people are out of work, education or training

The Milburn Review confirms the UK's NEET crisis is a long-term structural problem – not a result of workers' rights or higher pay.

Anjum Klair - 03 Jun 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC tells government to crack on with delivering guaranteed hours contract rights “in full”

The TUC has today (Tuesday) called on the government to get on with delivering guaranteed hours contracts rights in full after the consultation into the new measures was launched.

02 Jun 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

A record-breaking rise in trade union membership

The most recent trade union stats brought some good news: trade union membership is up. In 2025, trade union membership rose by 192,000 and now sits at 6.57 million. This is the highest it’s been since 2020.

Alex Collinson - 01 Jun 2026

Union organising

Outsourcing on railways risks undermining Government’s public ownership agenda, TUC warns

As the largest train operator Govia Thameslink will come into public hands, the TUC has today (Sunday) warned that outsourcing on Britain’s railways risks undermining the government’s public ownership agenda.

31 May 2026

Public services and transport

Lack of flexible working is “driving parents out of jobs” - new TUC polling

The TUC has today (Monday) warned a lack of flexible working is “driving parents out of jobs” as a new poll reveals a third (33 per cent) of parents with children under the age of 7 have left a job due to lack of flexible working.

01 Jun 2026

Equality

Milburn Review: NEET crisis has been “years in the making”- action must start now to turn it around

Union body says young people need good quality jobs – not scapegoating - and criticises “cynical attempts” to blame long-standing problems on new workers’ rights laws

28 May 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC: Workers know it “pays to be in a union” as new figures show union membership soars

Whether it’s fighting for fair pay and conditions, demanding better health and safety, or tackling the scourge of insecure work, unions are delivering real change for working people.

28 May 2026

Union organising

Charities, unions and academics tell government to “stick to its guns” on secure contracts for workers

A coalition of the Trades Union Congress, 38 Degrees, Child Poverty Action Group, Women’s Budget Group, Young Women’s Trust, Fawcett Society, Timewise and Work Foundation has today (Wednesday) told the government that it must stand firm on its manifesto commitment to ban zero hours contracts and ensure workers have a right to guaranteed hours.

27 May 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

More than a quarter of 24 year olds do not have Level 2 English and Maths qualification – TUC

New TUC polling shows widespread cross-party support for action supporting young people into work. In its submission to the Millburn Review into young people and work, the TUC urges the government to turbocharge its efforts.

25 May 2026

Equality

Households must not bear the brunt of Trump’s illegal war - TUC

Commenting on the energy price cap announcement today (Wednesday), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

27 May 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC slams Reform’s “cynical” overtime “tax gimmick”

The TUC response to Reform Party proposals on tax changes for overtime.

24 May 2026

Rights at work

TUC statement on revised EHRC Equality Act Code of Practice

TUC statement regarding the Equality and Human Rights Commission recently published revised Equality Act 2010 Code of Practice for Services, public functions and associations.

22 May 2026

Equality

Threshold for triggering collective redundancy obligations - TUC response

The TUC strongly welcomes the policy intent behind these measures: to reform the collective redundancy process to enable wider consultation with affected employees. However, we urge the government to consider a far more ambitious second threshold test for collective consultation to ensure that more workers benefit from a collective voice during a redundancy process and that there is more than a token change in the number of consultations taking place.

Tim Sharp - 22 May 2026

Rights at work - Consultation response

TUC welcomes ICJ ruling safeguarding right to strike

The right to strike ensures that workers’ voices are heard at work. Today’s decision confirms that it is a fundamental part of international law.

21 May 2026

Global solidarity

Progressive action by trade unions, bilingualism and opportunities for workers and citizens to learn Cymraeg

• The Welsh language is part of the equity and inclusion agenda and the TUC Cymru Twf Charter – The Welsh Language at Work Charter - supports workers, their trade unions branches and employers work together to create inclusive bilingual workplaces and growth in the use of Welsh at work • Trade unions recognise and support the call in the TUC Cymru Congress to develop their own progressive Bilingual Policies to demonstrate their commitment to linguistic equality in Wales

22 May 2026

Corporate Governance and responsibility

Prif Weinidog Rhun ap Iorwerth MS addresses TUC Cymru Congress

TUC Cymru welcomed the new Prif Weinidog, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, to address delegates to their biennial conference taking place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

21 May 2026

Corporate Governance and responsibility

Make Work Pay: Consultation on improving access to flexible working

The provisions in the Employment Rights Act are welcome, and our response provides a trade union view on how to ensure the duty to consult process is robust, fair and consistent. We also believe that legislative change needs to go further if we are to ensure that flexible working is the default for all workers.

Alice Arkwright - 31 May 2026

Equality - Consultation response

Cost of living measures welcome but government will need to be bolder to shield households and firms

Responding to the Chancellor’s package of Cost-of-Living measures today (Thursday), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said...

21 May 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Young People and Work Report: Call for evidence

The youth NEET crisis has been years in the making and is now being exacerbated by slow economic growth. We need urgent action now - for the generation who have already been let down and the children who are already coming next. A successful response must focus on creating quality, paid work and apprenticeship opportunities, alongside sustained investment in skills, education, health and social security.

Alice Arkwright - 23 May 2026

Equality - Consultation response

TUC Cymru Congress calls for greater public interest journalism to counter far right misinformation.

TUC Cymru Congress discussed how Wales’ information deficit has allowed far-right groups to spread misinformation and lies pitting members of communities against each other. • Congress expressed support for the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and their work to strengthen public interest journalism and applauded the continued use of public funding by the Welsh Government to support the sector. • This builds upon the work of the TUC Cymru ‘United Cymru’ campaign to show Welsh communities that Wales is at its best when we’re united.

20 May 2026

Corporate Governance and responsibility

Discovering true democracy

Young GMB activist Rosie McKenna shares her experience of the NEY&H Regional Conference - reflecting on how it has deepened her understanding of the movement and inspired her to stay active.

Rosie McKenna - 18 May 2026

Union organising

Byte Back - AI that Works for Workers

BAFTA-winning voice actor and Equity member Andrew Wincott sits down with NEY&H TUC to discuss what artificial intelligence could mean for the future of work.

20 May 2026

Corporate Governance and responsibility

TUC Cymru Congress calls for investment into Welsh education and learning.

• TUC Cymru congress called on the Welsh Government to ringfence education funding to local authorities, restore pay levels for teachers, and fully fund ALN reform. • The TUC Cymru General Council also called on the Welsh Government to commit to safeguarding and increasing investment in the successful Wales Union Learning Fund allowing TUC Cymru to support even more workers to realise their full potential.

19 May 2026

Corporate Governance and responsibility

TUC response to Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment: Call for Evidence

The evidence shows a system that is difficult to access, unreliable and poorly aligned with modern working life. Respondents called for both structural reform and a shift away from treating claimants as a problem, towards recognising disabled people as workers with legitimate needs.

Quinn Roache - 19 May 2026

Equality - Consultation response

TUC Cymru calls for new Welsh Government to establish a National Care Service and remove profit from Social Care

• TUC Cymru Congress is taking place this week in Llandudno with unions meeting to set their priorities for the next two years. • Among these priorities are calls for the new Welsh Government to establish a National Care Service. • Congress will debate a motion calling for the removal of private profit from the social care system in Wales.

19 May 2026

Corporate Governance and responsibility

Government must be “laser focused” on jobs and living standards

After years of falling living standards, working people need both sustained growth and action to ensure that gains are fairly shared.

14 May 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC calls for Timms Review to deliver “genuine reform” of PIP - as disabled people twice as likely to be unemployed

In its submission to the Timms Review into Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the union body says that the benefit is crucial for disabled people to get into and stay in work, but warns that in its current state is not working as intended.

18 May 2026

Equality

6 ways to protect jobs and households from the next gas price crisis

We can't keep paying the price for gas price shocks. Here's how to fix it.

Ali Poncia - 15 May 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Government must “go further and faster”, TUC says after King’s Speech

Commenting on the King’s Speech today (Wednesday), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

13 May 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Workers and Machines #4

Welcome to Workers and Machines: a newsletter on tech and AI, brought to you by the TUC, for the British labour movement, allies and anyone interested.

14 May 2026

Work and technology

Group of people. Company congregation or population

We cannot give up on the fight for a better future

It’s not hard to see why things seem so bleak right now. Our politics feels fraught and divided with many people losing faith in our national institutions - and their ability to deliver.

Paul Nowak * - 13 May 2026

Equality

Statement on the election of a new Welsh Government – TUC Cymru General Council

Wales has elected a new Senedd.

12 May 2026

Corporate Governance and responsibility

Staying safe online and at events, while supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse workers' rights

Hostile anti-trans narratives have fuelled worrying levels of hate crimes against trans and non-binary people. This in turn has fostered a febrile environment where many trans and non-binary people, and their allies, have felt unsafe and been exposed to violence, attacks and hostility both online and in person.

Quinn Roache - 12 May 2026

Equality - Research and reports

Close-up of thoughtful transgender nurse looking away

Trade unions challenging antisemitism is not optional

Yesterday I represented the TUC at a summit on antisemitism convened by the Prime Minister. It was a sobering but vital discussion - made urgent by the surge of antisemitic abuse and attacks across the country.

Kate Bell - 06 May 2026

Equality

Starmer Calls For Action On Antisemitism At Downing Street Event

Higher interest rates are the “last thing the working people need”, TUC warns

Ahead of the Bank of England MPC decision later today (Thursday), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

30 Apr 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Unions call on Reform to “honour their promise” to re-open Doncaster-Sheffield Airport with “thousands of jobs on the line”

Unions have today (Wednesday) called on the Reform‑controlled Doncaster Council to “honour their promise” to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, warning that thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in regional growth are now at risk.

29 Apr 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC calls for “national mission” to rid workplaces of asbestos

The TUC general secretary Paul Nowak will today (Tuesday) call for a national mission to rid workplaces of asbestos at a union event in Liverpool marking IWMD.

28 Apr 2026

Health and safety

“Shocking” increase in explicit racism at work in recent years – new TUC research reveals

Black and ethnic minority workers are facing “appalling levels” of racism, bullying and unfair treatment at work, according to new TUC research published today.

24 Apr 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

What the APPG on Health and Safety has been doing this year

The Trades Union Congress acts as secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health. The Group works across political parties to bring MPs and Lords together to discuss issues affecting workers. It plays a vital role in bringing workers’ experiences into Parliament, amplifying the voices of trade unions, campaigners and victims, and pushing for stronger protections.

Shelly Asquith - 05 May 2026

Health and safety

The WTO at a crossroads: WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) held its latest ministerial conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon in March 2026.

Eliza Ampomah - 05 May 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Discovering true democracy: a young member’s perspective on attending TUC NEY&H's Regional Conference

Young GMB activist Rosie McKenna shares her experience of the NEY&H Regional Conference - reflecting on how it has deepened her understanding of the movement and inspired her to stay active.

Rosie McKenna - 05 May 2026

Equality

Rosie standing alongside a TUC NEY&H banner

Reflections on the General Strike, 100 years on

This year’s May Day celebrations have an added historical resonance for trade unionists. Monday 4 May marks the centenary of the start of the General Strike – a momentous event in British industrial and political history. But what is its real legacy? How did it shape trade unions in the decades after? And a century on, what are its lessons for today’s movement?

Paul Nowak * - 04 May 2026

Union organising

The human price of dynamic pay

11 worker case studies show how platform pay systems are affecting work and home lives. The report calls for action on three fronts: ending dynamic pay-setting, reforming employment status, and strengthening collective data rights for transparency and bargaining.

Tim Sharp - 03 May 2026

Economy, jobs and pay - Research and reports

IWMD 2026 - Remember the dead. Fight for the living.

Today is our day. A day when workers across the world demand the right to be safe at work. A day when we call on governments, regulators and employers to act. And a day when we say, together: Remember the dead. Fight for the living.

Paul Nowak * - 28 Apr 2026

Health and safety

Many candles - candlelight in the darkness - stock photo

Workplace Day of Action for Palestine 14 May 2026

The TUC and unions are supporting the workplace day of action for Palestine on 14 May. We continue to speak about against the ongoing genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, as we also call for peace in the wider Middle East.

27 Apr 2026

Global solidarity

No worker left behind

Black workers continue to face racism, insecurity and unequal treatment at work across the UK. The findings from No worker left behind demonstrate that despite greater awareness of racial inequality in recent years, many Black workers still encounter hostile workplace cultures, structural barriers to progression and unsafe working conditions.

Michelle Codrington-Rogers - 24 Apr 2026

Equality - Research and reports

Businesswoman attending team meeting with colleagues at office

TUC warns higher interest rates will exacerbate “Trump slump”

Commenting on the latest figures showing March CPI inflation rising to 3.3% from 3.0%, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Households are feeling the pain from Trump's illegal war. Big rises in petrol prices are pushing up inflation and shockwaves from the war are putting recent improvements in growth under threat...

22 Apr 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Building the fight against outsourcing

Outsourced workers keep our hospitals, transport networks and public buildings running. Yet they are too often trapped on poverty wages, insecure contracts and inferior employment rights, while multinational firms harvest profits from the public purse. Across our region, outsourced workers are organising and fighting back.

Daniel Shannon-Hughes - 20 Apr 2026

Public services and transport

International Workers Memorial Day 2026 - Take part

28 April -iIt's a time for us to come together as a movement and as a community. To remember those who have lost their lives to work, and renew our commitment to fight for the living and make work safe.

20 Apr 2026

Global solidarity

The new Fair Work Agency – latest developments and union priorities

The new Fair Work Agency aims to strengthen enforcement of workers’ rights. This blog explains what it means, what’s changing next, and the key priorities unions will be pushing to ensure it delivers for working people.

Matt Creagh - 17 Apr 2026

Rights at work

8 in 10 workers have experienced abuse at work in past year

A new survey published by the TUC today (Friday) shows 8 in 10 surveyed workers have experienced some form of abuse at work in the last year.

17 Apr 2026

Health and safety

Important new energy support for industry must be expanded

The government has today announced important changes to its forthcoming energy cost support scheme, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). It will now be extended to around 10,000 energy-intensive businesses, backdated to April 2026, and partially funded by the Exchequer.

Ali Poncia - 16 Apr 2026

Industrial strategy

Industrial workers measuring and inspecting mechanical parts in factory - stock photo

TUC submission to the Education and Work Pensions Select Committees inquiry on the child poverty strategy

The TUC welcomes the Labour Government’s 10-year Child Poverty Strategy and its efforts to address high child poverty levels. Measures such as ending the two-child limit, expanding free school meals are expected to significantly reduce child poverty.

Anjum Klair - 15 Apr 2026

Economy, jobs and pay - Consultation response

TUC welcomes government commitment to ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting

It’s a common-sense way to deal with glaring inequalities in our labour market.

25 Mar 2026

Equality

TUC: Public overwhelmingly support higher minimum wage - as rate rises today

The TUC today (Wednesday) described the increase in the minimum wage as a ‘vital lifeline’ for millions of workers – with a host of living costs set to rise as a result of Trump's illegal war.

01 Apr 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC hails landmark day as 9.6 million set to benefit from stronger sick pay from today

This change is set to disproportionately benefit low-paid women, who are significantly more likely than men to be earning under the threshold of £125 per week. It will also disproportionately benefit disabled workers and young and old workers.

06 Apr 2026

Rights at work

Duty to inform workers of their right to join a trade union

The TUC and our affiliated unions warmly welcome the proposal included in the Employment Rights Bill to introduce a duty on employers to inform their workforce of their right to join a trade union.

Janet Williamson - 09 Apr 2026

Rights at work - Consultation response

Make Work Pay fire and rehire - changes to expenses, benefits, and shift patterns

Fire and rehire and fire and replace are particularly egregious practices that have been repeatedly resisted by workers and condemned by politicians across the political spectrum.

Tim Sharp - 09 Apr 2026

Rights at work - Consultation response

Free Lee Cheuk-yan

Lee Cheuk-yan – former General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) and a long‑standing advocate for workers’ rights and democracy – has been detained since 2021 and is now standing trial under Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL).

08 Apr 2026

Global solidarity

TUC calls for urgent support for at risk manufacturers as Trump’s illegal war piles on pressure

04 Apr 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Employment Rights Act 2025: What’s changing from 6 April

A further wave of employment rights introduced under the Employment Rights Act 2025 comes into force today.

Matt Creagh - 06 Apr 2026

Rights at work

Workers and Machines #3

Welcome to Workers and Machines: a newsletter on tech and AI, brought to you by the TUC, for the British labour movement, allies and anyone interested.

01 Apr 2026

Work and technology

Reform’s plan to rip up workers’ rights is “massively out of step” with the British public – new poll reveals

TUC launches “Stop the Steal” campaign in response to the Reform Party’s plans to rip up key workers’ rights

31 Mar 2026

Rights at work

TUC – procurement announcement “important first step” in protecting British jobs and delivering wave of insourcing

Responding to the government’s announcement on procurement reform today (Thursday), which aims to protect the UK’s economic security and by prioritising British supply chains in four critical sectors: steel, shipbuilding, AI and energy infrastructure, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Today’s announcement shows this government is serious about protecting British jobs.

26 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

2.9 million children in poverty in working households - TUC response to poverty figures

The TUC reacts to the latest annual poverty figures for the UK

26 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

INFLATION: Higher interest rates will not stop Trumpflation - TUC

Commenting on the latest figures showing that as expected February CPI inflation was unchanged at 3.0 per cent, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Trump’s war on Iran may be cause for caution on interest rates, but the Bank of England should not overreact.

25 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC - Royal Mail bosses “must answer” for “chaos” in postal service

The TUC has today (Tuesday) said the Royal Mail bosses must answer” for the “chaos” in the postal service in a Business and Trade Select Committee hearing this afternoon.

24 Mar 2026

Public services and transport

How we build a Wales that works for everyone

As Wales hurtles towards the Senedd election in May, the future political direction of the nation remains as unclear as ever. Read how you can help build a Wales that works for everyone.

Amber Courtney - 24 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC response to Work and Pensions Select Committee Inquiry - Youth employment, education and training

The TUC welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to this call for evidence. Trade unions have a long tradition of campaigning to bring down worklessness and ensure more quality jobs for young people, including involvement in the design of the successful Future Jobs Fund under the previous Labour government and in supporting apprentices and vocational training. It is no coincidence that many of the apprenticeship programmes with the greatest demand are those where unions have negotiated a high-quality apprenticeship offer that is open to all.

Anjum Klair - 23 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay - Consultation response

Iran conflict: TUC calls for emergency taskforce to protect UK from economic shock

The TUC has today (Monday) called for an emergency taskforce – learning from the lessons of the pandemic – to help protect the UK from the economic fallout of the US-Iranian conflict.

23 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

1 in 5 unemployed young people out of work for over 12 months – new TUC analysis

The TUC is today (Saturday) calling on the government to turbocharge its efforts to support young workers as new analysis reveals a significant number of unemployed young people have been out of work for over a year.

21 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC: Government right to expand Jobs Guarantee, but “we need to go further”

The government is right to expand the Jobs Guarantee and encourage businesses to hire young people who have been out of work for more than six months. But we need to go further.

15 Mar 2026

Equality

Government must do everything it can to protect Britain from “Trumpflation”, says TUC

Working people are facing a new Trump-made cost of living crisis.

13 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC: Ministers must keep doing "everything they can" to protect young workers from economic shock

The jobs market was stabilising before Trump’s illegal war – but now the international picture threatens to make things worse. The longer this war goes on, the greater the threat to households and firms.

19 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Covid report shines a light on “devastating” impact of cuts during pandemic

Responding to the Covid Inquiry’s Module 3 report, which finds the NHS only coped with the pandemic thanks to the “superhuman” efforts of healthcare workers and their colleagues, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “For years healthcare staff were warning the NHS was in a state of crisis due to chronic underfunding. “When the pandemic hit their worst fears became reality, and the whole workforce was put at risk, without even basic PPE to keep them safe...

19 Mar 2026

Health and safety

Unity Works - and we're proving it again

Every day working people keep this country going - in our hospitals, shops, factories, railways and offices. And despite the challenges we face, there is a real appetite for change and a belief that Britain can do better.

Paul Nowak * - 18 Mar 2026

Equality

1796 days and counting! Defending democracy is not a crime #FreeLeeCheukYan

Lee Cheuk-yan, the General Secretary of Hong Kong’s trade union confederation HKCTU which was forced to disband, is on trial for advocating core trade union values. He and Hong Kong trade unionists need our solidarity.

Carol Ferguson - 17 Mar 2026

Global solidarity

Pro-democracy activist Lee Cheuk-yan (C) speaks to the media next to former lawmaker Cyd Ho (centre L) outside West Kowloon Court in Hong Kong on April 1, 2021

Higher wages are the route to stronger growth and rising living standards – TUC

Responding to the announcement of the Low Pay Commission Remit 2026

16 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Violence at work isn’t “part of the job”

We’re gathering evidence from workers to show the real scale of the problem and push for stronger protections. If you’ve experienced violence or abuse at work - or seen it happen to colleagues - we want to hear from you.

16 Mar 2026

Equality

Urgent support welcome but more will be needed to stave off ‘Trumpflation’ - says TUC

Responding to the Prime Minister’s press conference this morning

16 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Working people are ready to defend the hard-won protections in the Employment Rights Act

Since Reform UK announced their attack on the Employment Rights Act a few weeks ago, nearly 25,000 people have joined the campaign to defend their rights at work.

Matthew Topham - 13 Mar 2026

Equality

Action alerts - March 2026

Support workers on strike, key TUC campaigns and more: actions from the March 2026 round up.

10 Mar 2026

Union organising

TUC - Millions of low-paid women set to benefit from stronger sick pay as new rights come into force

The TUC has hailed the Employment Rights Act as “an important step forward” for working women as new analysis shows women will disproportionately benefit from new workers’ rights measures rolled out from next month.

08 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Podcast: Pizza Hut, Pride and People Power

TUC North East, Yorkshire and Humber (NEY&H) Regional Secretary Dave Pike sits down with Local Heroes Podcast hosts Chris and Dan to unpack what modern trade unionism really looks like.

Dave Pike - 07 Mar 2026

Equality

UCU picket line at Northumbria University

Give workers a “seat at the table” in future pandemic planning to prevent a repeat of Covid mistakes, says TUC

As the UK Covid Inquiry came to an end yesterday (Thursday), the TUC – a core participant in the Inquiry – warns that this and future governments must learn lessons from the pandemic and ensure key workers and the general population are protected better in the future.

06 Mar 2026

Health and safety

Member voice in pension scheme governance

This report presents research conducted for the Trades Union Congress on member representation in pension scheme governance, in the UK and internationally. It looks at how members have a voice in decisions that affect their pension outcomes, the benefits this brings, and how that voice is changing as schemes become larger and more centralised.

Jack Jones - 05 Mar 2026

Pensions and benefits - Research and reports

Engineers having conversation at wind farm - stock photo

TUC – workers must have more say in how their pensions are governed

TUC – workers must have more say in how their pensions are governed • New TUC report warns worker representation on pension boards is declining as UK shifts from employer-based pension schemes to multi-employer schemes. • Union body says UK should look to Australia and Canada as government closes consultation on improving pensions governance standards. • TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak says “pension schemes deliver better outcomes when members have a say in how they are run”.

05 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC: UK workers put in £28 billion in unpaid overtime in the last year

Workers who do unpaid overtime miss out on 6.8 hours of their own time a week – for the benefit of their employer.

27 Feb 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Government must “use every lever” to shield households and firms from global shocks, says TUC

Responding to today’s Spring Statement, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

03 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC General Council interim statement on Iran

The TUC condemns the dangerous escalation of military actions, precipitated by the attacks launched by the US and Israel over the weekend that flout international law, undermine diplomacy and the prospects for peace.

02 Mar 2026

Global solidarity

Our rights at work are under attack! #StopTheSteal

Reform UK has pledged to rip up legal protections for workers and renters.

02 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC slams Reform’s “Great Steal” Bill

Commenting on Reform’s plans for a ‘Great Repeal Bill’, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

24 Feb 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC accuses Reform UK of wanting to legalise discrimination

Responding to Suella Braverman announcing Reform would repeal the Equality Act on day one if it wins the next election, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

17 Feb 2026

Rights at work

“Unfair” youth minimum wage must go, says TUC – as evidence shows the youth rate is seldom used

Ahead of the Spring Statement tomorrow, new analysis by the TUC today (Monday) shows that a million 18-20 year olds – 85 per cent – are already paid above the youth minimum wage, rendering it not only unfair, but also “obsolete” as only 1 in 7 receives it.

02 Mar 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Government on right track to fix NEET challenge but must turbocharge efforts – TUC

Commenting on the latest NEET figures, which showed there were estimated to be 957,000 young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment or training in October to December 2025, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

26 Feb 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Stronger enforcement “important first step” in tackling scourge of unpaid work for young people – TUC

Commenting on the government announcement today on unpaid internships, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

27 Feb 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Joint statement by UK trade unions in solidarity with Ukraine

On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, UK trade unions reaffirm our solidarity with Ukraine, its workers and their unions. Ukraine’s workers are not only defending their country but are standing up for democratic rights, freedoms and labour standards that underpin our movement. We send our greetings to our sister organisations, the FPU and KVPU, and commit our continuing support for them.

24 Feb 2026

Global solidarity

TUC calls on the Bank of England to “go for growth” – as new analysis shows British shoppers aren’t spending

16 Feb 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Workers and Machines #2

Welcome to Workers and Machines: a newsletter on tech and AI, brought to you by the TUC, for the British labour movement, allies and anyone interested.

18 Feb 2026

Work and technology

Storm Goretti: TUC calls on employers to show “common sense and understanding” as UK braces for extreme weather

Employers must show understanding and not punish workers who cannot safely travel to work by withholding pay or making them use their holiday.

09 Jan 2026

Health and safety

“Cost of loving crisis” looms for couples this Valentine’s Day, TUC warns

Households need more money in their pockets with many struggling to afford the essentials – let alone the occasional treat like Valentine’s day gifts.

14 Feb 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Standing together for unity and hope. 5 ways you can take action today

At its best and strongest trade unionism is expressed in positive terms. We have values that any decent person should share. We have a vision of what the workplace, society and the world should look like. And we have a roadmap about how to win that vision though action.

Laurie Heselden - 16 Feb 2026

Union organising

TUC: Gender pay gap means women effectively work for free for 47 days a year

At current rates of progress, it will take 30 years – until 2056 – to close the gender pay gap.

15 Feb 2026

Equality

Bank of England must “go further and faster” with rate cuts to help boost living standards – TUC

Commenting on ONS figures showing 0.1% GDP growth in the three months to December 2025, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said ministers must stay “laser-focused” on improving living standards this year.

12 Feb 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Warm Homes must be all about jobs

TUC NEY&H welcomes the government’s Warm Homes Plan, and we especially welcome its support for 180,000 new jobs. But there’s jobs and there’s jobs.

Sam Perry - 09 Feb 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Two builders on scaffolding with blue sky behind them

HeartUnions week matters more than ever

This HeartUnions week help spread the message. Talk about unions. Be proud of what we achieve together. Because the truth is simple: when unions do well, working people do well - and when working people thrive, Britain becomes a fairer, kinder place for us all.

Paul Nowak * - 09 Feb 2026

Union organising

Support the workplace day of action for Palestine - 12 February 2026

The TUC and unions are supporting the workplace day of action for Palestine on 12 February. We continue to stand in solidarity with Palestinians in their struggle for justice, freedom and peace.

06 Feb 2026

Global solidarity

Flexibility or fiction? Why the rise of talent platforms shows we need action on worker status

What do upmarket hotel Claridge’s, retailer Urban Outfitters and café chain Colicci’s have in common? They have all used so-called talent platforms: agencies that supply ostensibly self-employed workers to do roles such as shop assistants and baristas that most of us would expect to be employees.

Peter Wieltschnig - 05 Feb 2026

Rights at work

Behind the app

The shop assistant folding your shirt and placing it in the carrier bag is actually a self-employed entrepreneur. Or so some stores would have you believe. After years of rising insecurity in the labour market, some employers are taking matters a step further and hiring staff from agencies that claim to supply self-employed freelancers.

Peter Wieltschnig - 04 Feb 2026

Rights at work - Research and reports

How trade unionists built LGBT+ equality in Britain

LGBT+ workers face renewed and coordinated attacks. Far-right movements are using anti-LGBT+ narratives to scapegoat LGBT+ people – particularly trans and non-binary workers – while pressure grows to roll back inclusive policies and long-established LGBT+ charities and Pride organisations are being defunded. These attacks are inseparable from wider attempts to weaken workers’ rights, undermine public services and divide working-class communities.

Quinn Roache - 02 Feb 2026

Equality

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Plaid Cymru and TUC Cymru

31 Jan 2026

Corporate Governance and responsibility

TUC: “Toxic combination” of insecure work and rising living costs is locking households in poverty

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2026) UK Poverty 2026, published today (Tuesday), shows the scale of in-work poverty up and down the country.

27 Jan 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

New TUC analysis shows insecure work is rife in West Yorkshire

On a visit to the Spen Valley today (Friday), the TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak will warn that workers in Yorkshire are at the sharp end of insecure work, and call on all parties to support increased employment rights.

30 Jan 2026

Corporate Governance and responsibility

Get ready for HeartUnions 2026!

HeartUnions week is a chance to tell the story about why unions are vital for everyone at work, and to encourage people who aren't yet in a union to join.

02 Feb 2026

Union organising

It's time to build railways that will allow the North to thrive

It’s no secret the railways of the north have been on their knees for decades. But the government’s recent Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement is a glimmer of light at the end of a long tunnel.

Dave Pike - 26 Jan 2026

Public services and transport

Draft Code of Practice on Electronic and Workplace Balloting

The TUC strongly welcomes these long overdue measures to allow electronic balloting and extend the use of workplace balloting in statutory ballots. It has been a longstanding demand of the trade union movement that the government remove restrictions preventing unions using electronic and workplace balloting for all votes and elections. These measures are a significant step forward in achieving a transformation in the way that members engage with their unions.

28 Jan 2026

Rights at work - Consultation response

Parents and unions agree: Educators need to be at the centre of AI in education

There is growing evidence that AI works worst when imposed from above. Across hospitals, offices, warehouses, and call centres, systems are sold by vendors, bought by executives, and handed down to workers. Problems surface late; adoption is uneven.

Isabella Rhodes - 22 Jan 2026

Work and technology

Primary school teacher helping boy with his school work

TUC – Bank of England must “keep going” with rate cuts so Britain can move on from living standards crisis

Commenting on the latest inflation figures showing CPI inflation showing a small rise to 3.4% in the 12 months to December 2025 from 3.2% in November 2025, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Workers urgently want to see their living standards improving."

21 Jan 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Make Work Pay: Consulation on Leave for Bereavement including Pregnancy loss

Our affiliated unions represent workers across a range of sectors in the labour market, both in the private and public sector, many of whom will have been affected by bereavement or pregnancy loss. Trade unions negotiate best practice workplace policies on bereavement leave and pregnancy loss, meaning we are in a unique position to know what support mechanisms and working practices are most effective for working people.

Matt Creagh - 21 Jan 2026

Rights at work - Consultation response

Workers and Machines newsletter #1

Welcome to the first edition of Workers and Machines: a newsletter on tech and AI, brought to you by the TUC, for the British labour movement, allies and anyone interested.

20 Jan 2026

Work and technology

Podcast: Dave Pike on the power and the people of the trade union movement

Listen to NEYH Regional Secretary Dave Pike on the Working Hours Podcast as he explores the invaluable role of trade unions, the privilege of working for the movement and the people who make it what it is.

Dave Pike - 06 Nov 2025

Union organising

Podcast: Dave Pike on effective organising and a hopeful future

Listen to NEYH Regional Secretary Dave Pike on the Organising for Change podcast as he explores what effective organising looks like and the hope it brings for the future of the trade union movement.

Dave Pike - 19 Dec 2025

Union organising

It's official: Employment Rights Act will deliver a stronger fairer economy

Government officials have confirmed what unions and experts have been saying for years: better rights at work strengthen the economy as well as protecting workers. An updated impact assessment finds that the Employment Rights Act will improve working conditions and job security for 18 million workers, deliver a significant net gain to society, and provide a boost to growth and employment.

Afzal Rahman - 19 Jan 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Abstract geometric shapes connected by a line moving up

8 in 10 parents trust education staff on AI as unions set out roadmap – TUC

New polling reveals that a majority of parents back unions’ urgent call to make education staff central at every stage of AI adoption in education - to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people, the TUC says.

16 Jan 2026

Public services and transport

Work related stress is rising fast, and the North cannot afford to ignore it

A quiet crisis is unfolding across Britain’s workplaces, and it is being felt sharply here in the North.

Dave Pike - 12 Jan 2026

Health and safety

Women working at screen looking stressed

TUC: Number of new and expectant parents losing their job or facing unfair treatment at work “alarmingly high”

TUC polling reveals that more than 1 in 7 women (14%) who have children or are expecting a child have lost a job - or felt forced to leave a job due to pregnancy or becoming a parent.

15 Jan 2026

Equality

Bank of England must deliver “quickfire” rate cuts to help boost living standards – TUC

It’s good to see growth pick up in November. But after 14 years of Tory mismanagement our economy is still not out of the woods.

15 Jan 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Employment Rights Act 2025: Narrowing the gap

Analysis led by Cambridge University researchers has confirmed that the government’s flagship Employment Rights Act 2025 will bring British employment protections closer to those of comparative countries.

Peter Wieltschnig - 08 Jan 2026

Economy, jobs and pay

Young female restaurant manager talking inventory with digital tablet

New impact assessment shows increased benefits of Employment Rights Act to workers, businesses and economy

Updated government impact assessment says the upgrade to workers’ rights will be “significantly positive for society”.

07 Jan 2026

Rights at work

TUC: More than a million workers will be at work this Christmas Day

ONS data from previous years shows that care workers, nurses and nursing auxiliaries/assistants are usually the busiest occupations on Christmas Day. Members of the clergy are also among the most likely to be working for Christmas – in what is, no doubt, a very busy period for them.

24 Dec 2025

Economy, jobs and pay

Modelling the economic benefits of the Employment Rights Bill

The government has conducted a cost benefit analysis of the Employment Rights Act but acknowledges this is incomplete because it is not able to monetise many of the wider benefits of the package. Our analysis takes some of the benefits identified by government which have been left unquantified and produces quantitative estimates for them. This produces a central estimate for total benefits at £10.3 billion (ranging from £5.0 billion to £15.7 billion).

31 May 2025

Economy, jobs and pay - Research and reports

TUC General Council statement on Venezuela

The TUC joins the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and ITUC-Americas in expressing our ‘absolute and unequivocal rejection’ of the US military attack in Venezuela, and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

05 Jan 2026

Global solidarity

TUC - Record levels of work-related stress in Britain’s workplaces

Britain is facing a work-related stress crisis, according to new TUC data released today (Monday).

05 Jan 2026

Health and safety

TUC General Secretary: Only a relentless focus on living standards can stem the tide of the populist right 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak will today (Saturday) call on the Government to have a relentless focus on affordability in 2026 or risk the further rise of the far and populist right. 

27 Dec 2025

Union organising

Employment Rights Act passing is a “landmark day for millions of workers”

Commenting on the Employment Rights Act becoming law (Thursday), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “This is a landmark day for millions of workers..."

18 Dec 2025

Economy, jobs and pay

Health and safety representatives survey 2024 - 2025

This is the 15th biennial TUC survey of health and safety representatives. The report is used by the TUC to understand the changing experience of safety representatives at work and to help provide more targeted support. We also use the survey to inform public policy debates. The TUC also wants union safety representatives and safety committees to discuss and use the report to help with their ongoing work.

Shelly Asquith - 05 Jan 2026

Health and safety - Research and reports

A ship maintenance worker is maintaining the ship's engine room

TUC calls for “sequence of rate cuts” in coming months to ease pressure on households and firms

Commenting on the latest inflation figures showing a larger than expected fall of 0.4 points in CPI from 3.6 in October to 3.2 per cent in November, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: "Inflation may be falling, but many working people are still struggling to afford the basics."

17 Dec 2025

Economy, jobs and pay

Deadlock is broken – Employment Rights Bill passes

The Employment Rights Bill was finally passed by parliament. This marks a historic day for working people as the government’s flagship workers’ rights Bill has finally broken its House of Lords deadlock. Working people will enjoy more security, better pay and dignity at work thanks to this Bill, from now and for years to come.

Matt Creagh - 16 Dec 2025

Economy, jobs and pay

TUC hails “historic day” for working people as Employment Rights Bill passes Lords

The TUC has today (Tuesday) hailed an “historic day” for working people as the government’s flagship workers’ rights Bill has finally broken its House of Lords deadlock after months of wrangling in parliament.

16 Dec 2025

Economy, jobs and pay

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