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Unions are a life-saving, money-saving success

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Unions are a life-saving, money-saving success

For every £1 spent on paid time off for public sector union reps to represent their members, taxpayers get at least £2.31 back in savings, according to a new study published by the TUC. The safety contribution is even more stunning - half of these savings come from the union success in reducing work-related injuries and ill-health. The report, based on a new analysis of official figures by the University of Bradford, shows that allowing union reps time off to represent their members improves staff retention, reduces illness and boosts industrial relations. Ministers say the Trade Union Bill currently before parliament seeks to cut the “excessive” number of union representatives - and therefore the amount of facility time available - in the public sector. However, the report notes that just 2.8 per cent of public sector workplaces with recognised unions have a union rep that spends all or nearly all of their working time on their representative duties. The new report calculates the savings delivered by unions across the economy could exceed £1 billion every year, falling in a range between £476m and £1,250m. And prevention of workplace injuries and work-related ill-health contributes over half of the overall union-related savings, at 2014 prices the equivalent of £130m-£360m in union safety related savings each year in the public sector alone. The TUC argues that the time available to union safety reps to do this work – not classed as facilities time and protected by law – would nevertheless be hit by the government plans, despite assurances to the contrary (Risks 738). The union body says the planned cap on all time for union activities would inevitably mean unions would have to choose between undertaking safety or other essential union functions. TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Union reps help save taxpayers millions of pounds a year by making workplaces healthier and more productive. Paid time off for public sector union reps to represent their members is granted by employers because it is good for staff well-being, improves communication and stops problems escalating into disputes.”

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