Union membership in UK hospitality has traditionally been low, held back by high staff turnover, small workplaces, unsocial hours and the fear of being seen as a troublemaker in a tight-knit team. But organising has grown, often sparked by disputes over tips, service charges, pay, safety and treatment by managers. Workers have a legal right to join a union and to take part in union activities, and they must not be dismissed or penalised for doing so.
Where enough workers support it, a union can seek statutory recognition to bargain collectively with the employer, and the Employment Rights Act 2025 is reforming parts of that framework, so check the current position. Day to day, unions accompany members to grievance and disciplinary hearings, offer legal advice and run public campaigns that can embarrass big operators into change. For employers, a constructive relationship with organised staff can surface problems early rather than in a tribunal.
What we ask on the show
- Why has union membership been so low in hospitality?
- What campaigns have actually changed things for workers?
- Would you feel safe joining a union in your workplace?
- Can a small independent benefit from working with a union?