6. Time off for other roles

There are a number of specific workplace situations where reps have the right to take time off work to deal with them, from acting as a companion when workers attend a grievance or disciplinary hearing, to representing workers affected by collective redundancies or business transfers (TUPE), or informing and consulting workers.

Some of these rights stem from the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULRCA) and are mainly aimed at members of independent trade unions recognised by their employer. There are other roles that are open to non-union members and representatives, or that don’t refer to any union role. The Employment Rights Act 1996 plays an important role in relation to non-union representatives and the Acas guide Non-union representation in the workplace is also useful.