The Times 100 Business Case Studies Edition 15 Negotiation and representation at work UNISON

Introduction to UNISON Britain’s and Europe’s largest public sector trade union  1.3 million members  75,000 members under 27 years old Members cover a range of sectors  Health, police, education, local government Key representation role with employers  UNISON involved in developing apprenticeship schemes with local authorities

Role of a trade union Collective bargaining at local/national level  Negotiation on e.g. wages, working hours, conditions, training  Gives members more power than individually Advice and support  Legal advice  Discounts and special offers e.g. car insurance  Personal development opportunities

Factors supporting apprenticeship schemes UK economy facing challenges  Aging workforce Within 10 years over 1/3 of current local government employees will have retired  Skills shortages Difficulty in attracting young people with practical skills Plans to increase public sector apprenticeships  Benefits businesses and UK economy  Aims for 21,000 new places by 2013  250,000 started in 2009

Benefits of apprenticeship schemes Brings new people into the industry Offers opportunities Provides progression ladder to higher level skills Creates positive learning environment UNISON has no authority to set up schemes itself Works with employers  Identifies best practice in schemes  Consults members - gives feedback to employers  Provides negotiation guide  Ensures fair pay and conditions for apprentices

Best practice North Yorkshire County Council scheme  Set up 2006/7; almost 300 new apprentices by 2009  100% achieved NVQ level 1 during apprenticeships; over 50% now achieved level 3 Each trainee matched with a mentor  Quarterly reviews during 12 month probation UNISON helped to agree terms of employment  Same as for full-time council employees

UNISON support Ensures scheme relevant to trainee and employer Special rates for young person’s UNISON membership Negotiates key conditions with employers  Structured, fair procedures for recruitment and selection Ensures existing jobs are not replaced  Provides fair terms and conditions Fair salary, training, employment rights  Well-organised supervision for apprentices Adequate study time to complete NVQ work Launches them on a career path