[F1Chapter VAE+W+S Collective bargaining: recognition]

[F270B Training.E+W+S

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a trade union is recognised, in accordance with Schedule A1, as entitled to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of a bargaining unit (within the meaning of Part I of that Schedule), and

(b)a method for the conduct of collective bargaining is specified by the Central Arbitration Committee under paragraph 31(3) of that Schedule (and is not the subject of an agreement under paragraph 31(5)(a) or (b)).

(2)The employer must from time to time invite the trade union to send representatives to a meeting for the purpose of—

(a)consulting about the employer’s policy on training for workers within the bargaining unit,

(b)consulting about his plans for training for those workers during the period of six months starting with the day of the meeting, and

(c)reporting about training provided for those workers since the previous meeting.

(3)The date set for a meeting under subsection (2) must not be later than—

(a)in the case of a first meeting, the end of the period of six months starting with the day on which this section first applies in relation to a bargaining unit, and

(b)in the case of each subsequent meeting, the end of the period of six months starting with the day of the previous meeting.

(4)The employer shall, before the period of two weeks ending with the date of a meeting, provide to the trade union any information—

(a)without which the union’s representatives would be to a material extent impeded in participating in the meeting, and

(b)which it would be in accordance with good industrial relations practice to disclose for the purposes of the meeting.

[F3(4A)If the information mentioned in subjection (4) includes information relating to the employment situation the employer must (so far as not required by subsection (4)) also provide at the same time to the trade union the following information—

(a)the number of agency workers working temporarily for and under the supervision and direction of the employer,

(b)the parts of the employer’s undertaking in which those agency workers are working, and

(c)the type of work those agency workers are carrying out.]

(5)Section 182(1) shall apply in relation to the provision of information under subsection (4) [F4or (4A)] as it applies in relation to the disclosure of information under section 181.

(6)The employer shall take account of any written representations about matters raised at a meeting which he receives from the trade union within the period of four weeks starting with the date of the meeting.

(7)Where more than one trade union is recognised as entitled to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of a bargaining unit, a reference in this section to “the trade union" is a reference to each trade union.

(8)Where at a meeting under this section (Meeting 1) an employer indicates his intention to convene a subsequent meeting (Meeting 2) before the expiry of the period of six months beginning with the date of Meeting 1, for the reference to a period of six months in subsection (2)(b) there shall be substituted a reference to the expected period between Meeting 1 and Meeting 2.

(9)The Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument amend any of subsections (2) to (6).

(10)No order shall be made under subsection (9) unless a draft has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament.]