Employers must inform and consult with a recognised trade union about:
collective redundancies
transfers of business ownership
certain changes to pension schemes
health and safety
If you fail to consult the union about any of these, you’ll be breaking the law and could be fined - the amount depends on the situation.
There’s more information on the pension scheme changes you have to consult about in the guidance below.
Download ‘Pension schemes - consultation guidance’ (PDF, 168KB)
You can also make voluntary agreements with unions to regularly inform and consult them about other business and workplace issues.
Acas has detailed guidance about informing and consulting employees.