What information must be disclosed by the employer to our union for collective bargaining purposes?

The law says that, where an independent trade union is recognised by the employer, the union is entitled to be given information which is relevant to the scope of its recognition, which is material to the issue being negotiated and which disclosure is in accordance with good industrial relations. Examples may include information about a company's financial position in a pay claim, or investment plans in a redundancy situation.

There is an ACAS Code of Practice setting out guidelines and recommended best practice for parties engaged in collective bargaining.

Complaints alleging failure by employers to disclose relevant information may be made to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), who may make a declaration and, eventually could make an award against the employer altering the terms and conditions of employment.