Extending the scope for safety reps to act for all staff regardless of union membership

The Code of Practice on the SRSCR (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”. For example, safety inspectors’ union Prospect gave evidence to the Löfstedt review that they try to make 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 SRSCR.

This kind of approach has several benefits, including, in particular, doing away with the need for the employer to consult the non-unionised section of the workforce separately under the Health and Safety (Consultation with employees) Regulations 1996.