Union status and obligations

Union status and capacity

Either workers or employers may form together in groupings. Groupings formed by workers, for the support and advancement of their interests, are usually called trade unions.

Trade union law largely consists of extensive statutory provisions. They give a broad definition of ‘trade union’, set out trade unions' status and capacity, and impose various statutory obligations on them.

For example, a trade union is not a corporate body, but is capable of:

•
making contracts
•
suing and being sued in its own name
•
being prosecuted as a defendant in criminal proceedings

For more information, see Union obligations.

Certification Officer

The Certification Officer is appointed by the Secretary of State following consultation with Acas.

The rôle has a number of administrative functions under various statutory provisions:

•
preparing an annual report on

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