Despite the long-term effects of Covid-19 and the challenging economic climate, recent figures published by the Government shows that trade union membership fell for the second consecutive year in 2022. Trade union membership is now at its lowest level since 2017.
The figures show that:
- trade union membership declined from 23.1% in 2021 to 22.3% in 2022.
- in 2022, there was a decline of 200,000 UK employees who were trade union members.
- the private sector saw a decrease of 152,000 members particularly with female members (129,000 of the 152,000).
- there was also a smaller decrease in the public sector with trade union membership falling by 48,000.
- Wales saw the largest fall in trade union membership.
- trade union members are now more likely to have a degree or other form of higher education qualification (63%).
The above figures seem to suggest that the UK workforce is changing with employees less likely to sign up to a trade union. However, in response the TUC said these figures were for 2022 and since then, several unions have reported membership gains particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis. If you require any employment advice, please contact the employment team at Morgan LaRoche.
