BIS trade union membership statistics for 2015 show 0.6% increase

BIS have published a statistical bulletin showing trade union membership in the UK in 2015. The key findings are:

BIS have published a statistical bulletin showing trade union membership in the UK in 2015. The key findings are:

  • 6.5 million employees were trade union members in 2015 – 36,000 more than 2014 (a 0.6% increase).
  • The proportion of employees who were trade union members fell to 24.7% in 2015, from 25.0% in 2014, the lowest rate of union membership recorded since 1995.
  • The proportion of female union members was around 27.7% in 2015, compared with 21.7% for males.
  • There were almost 2.7 million union members in the private sector, an increase of 6,000 since 2014; but the proportion of union members fell from 14.2% to 13.9% because of employment growth. 
  • In the public sector, union membership levels increased by 29,000 year-on-year to 3.80 million in 2015 and trade union density in the public sector rose from 54.3% to 54.8% in 2015. 

Content Note

The aim is to provide summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. In particular, where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out full details of all the facts, the legal arguments presented by the parties and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Click on the links provided to access full details. If no link is provided contact us for further information. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, SM&B cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.

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