An article written by Carl Roper for the Stronger Unions Blog makes a strong argument for workplace representatives and health & safety reps in the workplace. These volunteers, people who support our GMB members in their workplace, are also helpful to their employers.
As Carl points out,
- Union Learning Reps increasing productivity
- Union Reps reduce staff turnover, saving dispute and recruitment costs
- Health & Safety Reps reduce workplace injuries, between 5,400 – 8,000 fewer injuries
13 Mar 2017, By Carl Roper
Stronger Unions Blog - https://strongerunions.org
Benefits from the ULF are divided between increased productivity for employers (£558 million, £251 million for the public sector), £895 million to employees in the form of enhanced life time earnings as a result of higher pay and lower chances of being unemployed and a £421 million benefit to the exchequer in the form of higher income tax and national insurance receipts and lower benefit payments.
As a result of the work that they do in providing representation for employees, union reps reduce staff turnover. The University of Leeds research found that in workplaces with union representatives, the dismissal rate was lower, 1.04 dismissals per 100 employees compared to 1.55 for workplaces without union representation.
The ability of union reps to resolve disputes and therefore make it more desirable for an employee encountering problems at work to remain, rather than quit their job also reduces staff turnover. The report estimates that union reps reduce voluntary exits by between 11,000-22,000 per year (7,000 – 14,000 in the public sector). The estimated savings to employers in recruitment costs is estimated at around £49 – £98 million (£27 – £54 million in the public sector).
The work undertaken by union Health and Safety reps is acknowledged by members and employers alike. In workplaces where there is direct trade union Health and Safety representation, the study found that there are between 5,400 – 8,000 fewer injuries. This is a significant financial and personal benefit to employers, employees and society as a result of reduced lost earnings, avoidance of sick pay and compensation payments, as well as increased output.
A reduction in injuries means around 34,000 – 52,000 fewer working days lost (6,700 – 10,100 in the public sector). This brings the potential range of benefits in this instance to £38.2m – £67.2m (£7.5m – £13.2m in the public sector).
Read the full article here - https://strongerunions.org/2017/03/13/union-reps-are-good-for-workers-an...
