Around seventy trade union activists, academics and officers gathered at Congress House for a Unions 21 seminar entitled "Information & Consultation: Pathways to Recognition?".

Two years ago the TUC described the Information and Consultation Directive as “potentially the most significant piece of employment legislation ever to be introduced in the UK” - providing the scope to establish recognition in new bargaining units and extend union influence among smaller organisations.

Today though, it seems that much of the initial enthusiasm has drained away. There is no parade of union success stories. Is this because unions are quietly getting on with it, either with the co-operation of employers or at least an absence of overt opposition? Or is it because there is now a different assessment of the opportunities and challenges? Have the potential threats of derecognition become a reality?

The seminar tried to answer some of these questions. Some of the presentations given at the seminar are available below.

Sarah Veale's Presentation

David Yeandle's Presentation

Paul Noon's Presentation

Dirk Ameel's Presentation

Gerry Sutcliffe's Speech