Safety reps representing all staff

The Code of Practice on the SRSCRs (paragraph 23) says:

“Normally recognised trade unions will appoint reps to represent a group(s) of workers for which the union has negotiating rights. However, limiting representation to a particular group should not be regarded as a hindrance to the representative raising general matters affecting the health and safety of employees as a whole.”

Safety inspectors’ union Prospect gave evidence to the Löfstedt review (see pages 22-23) stating that it tries to reach agreements with employers over arrangements for Prospect safety reps to act as a conduit for consultation on behalf of all staff, regardless of trade union membership, ensuring that all staff benefit from the collective representation envisaged by the SRSCRs.