Union representation and homeworking

Inevitably representing homeworkers is a challenge for union reps but it is important that these workers do not feel cut off. A policy should make it clear that homeworkers still have access to union representation, and set out how this will be achieved. Ideally, homeworkers should be able to attend meetings in working hours, with union reps and health and safety advisors able to visit them in their homes.

It is important that there are no obstacles in the way of reps communicating with homeworkers. In the policy for BT, the telecoms company supplies the unions with information about which workers are home-based.

Public services union UNISON suggests having items on union meeting agendas where homeworkers can raise specific concerns as one way of ensuring their needs are not overlooked. It also points out that contact with the union can be an important way of preventing homeworkers succumbing to feelings of social isolation.