Union membership stable

The number of trade union members and the rate of trade union membership have remained largely unchanged over the past year, according to new research from the DTI.

The statistics, based on the Labour Force Survey of autumn 2003, found that an estimated 7.38 million people in employment were members of a trade union. This was an increase of 0.4 per cent or around 27,000 people, compared with levels recorded in autumn 2002. It represents 26.6% of all people in employment.

The survey also shows that almost three in five public sector employees are part of a trade union, compared with a rate of less than one in five for the private sector.

  • Trade union membership 2003  Read the full report on the Department of Trade and Industry website.
  • No room for complacency on union membership   Read the Trade Union Congress' response to the DTI report, on the TUC website.

  • Public sector staff dominate trade union membership   Michael Millar of Personnel Today reports.

    Also

    Union membership highest among women  Equal Opportunities Review reports on the findings of the 2003 Labour Force Survey which showed more female full-time workers belonged to a union than male full-time workers.

    Facts, figures and fat cats  In its latest annual report the Certification Officer's findings included a slight decline in union membership.IRS Employment review reports.

    Mixed signals: the rise and fall of union strength  The resurgence of trade union membership may be stopped in its tracks, according to a number of recent reports.IRS Employment Review assesses the evidence.