industrial relations support
Industrial Relations & Trade Union Negotiations Firm in the UK
Practical support preparing for and engaging in trade union negotiations and wider industrial relations matters.
The employer challenge
Where industrial relations & trade union negotiations helps
Union negotiations require careful preparation and a consistent approach, particularly for employers without regular experience of collective bargaining.
Business outcomes
Clearer negotiation preparation and positioning
More consistent engagement with union representatives
A more structured approach that may help reduce avoidable disputes
What the service includes
- Negotiation preparation and briefing support
- Guidance on collective consultation processes
- Support during ongoing union engagement
Not included in this service
- Acting as legal counsel, or as the trade union itself
- A guarantee of reaching agreement or avoiding industrial action
- A guarantee of improved union relations
- A guarantee of confidentiality in every circumstance
- A guarantee of a specific negotiation result
Who we support
Employers with recognised trade unions or works councils who need support preparing for and managing negotiations.
Our delivery approach
Clear steps, from first conversation to delivery
- 01
Understand the current industrial relations context
- 02
Prepare negotiation position and briefing materials
- 03
Support the negotiation or consultation process
- 04
Review outcomes and next steps
Engagement options
Choose the way you want to work together
Negotiation preparation support
Discuss this optionOngoing industrial relations advisory
Discuss this optionContinue exploring
Related expertise
This service covers employer-side preparation and process support for engaging with a recognised trade union or works council on collective matters: distinct from Workplace Mediation & Conflict Resolution, which addresses individual or team-level conflict, and from Redundancy & Restructuring Support, which covers organisational change rather than ongoing collective engagement.
Relevant sectors
UK-wide coverage
Industrial Relations & Trade Union Negotiations is available to employers across the UK, delivered remotely and, where useful, on-site.
View all UK locations Apex HR supportsFrequently asked questions
What clients usually ask
This service is typically most relevant where a union is already recognised, but early guidance can also help employers approaching recognition discussions.
No. Apex HR supports your organisation's own preparation and process as the employer. It does not act as your legal counsel or as the trade union, and specific legal questions about collective bargaining obligations should be confirmed with a qualified employment lawyer.
Still deciding
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Ready to talk about industrial relations & trade union negotiations?
This is informational HR support. Specific legal questions about collective bargaining obligations should be confirmed with a qualified employment lawyer.