Union membership decline continues

The number of employees in trade unions has declined over the past year, although the number of women union members has risen slightly, according to new DTI research.

The statistics, based on the Labour Force Survey of autumn 2004, reveal that an estimated 6.78 million people in employment were members of a trade union. This is a decrease of 0.5 per cent or around 36,000 people, compared with levels recorded in autumn 2003.

Overall 26% of all people in employment were union members, down from 26.6% one year previously.

Broken down by gender, the study finds that the number of men in unions fell by 54,000 in 2004. In contrast, the number of women members rose by 42,000.

The survey also shows that almost three in five public sector employees (58.8%) are union members, compared with less than one in five in the private sector (17.2%).

  • Trade union membership 2004: Key statistical findings     Read the official press release on the survey findings, as published on the Department of Trade and Industry website.

  • Trade union membership 2004 (PDF format)  Read the report in full, on the DTI website.

    Also

    Union membership decline continues    IRS Employment Review looks at the DTI figures.

    Unions' future lies with women    IRS journal Equal Opportunities Review looks at TUC research which finds that labour market changes will mean that female union membership will be central to trade unions' future.

    Trade union bargaining agenda 2005    HR & Compliance Centre reports.

    Union membership stable    Read HR & Compliance Centre's coverage of the previous annual study from the DTI.