- Latest available (Revised)
- Point in Time (01/10/2010)
- Original (As enacted)
Version Superseded: 01/10/2011
Point in time view as at 01/10/2010.
Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, Part VII is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 August 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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(1)The provisions of this Act have effect (except as mentioned below) in relation to Crown employment and persons in Crown employment as in relation to other employment and other workers or employees.
(2)The following provisions are excepted from subsection (1)—
[F1section 87(4)(b) (power of tribunal] to make order in respect of employer’s failure to comply with duties as to union contributions);
sections 184 and 185 (remedy for failure to comply with declaration as to disclosure of information);
Chapter II of Part IV (procedure for handling redundancies).
(3)In this section Crown employment means employment under or for the purposes of a government department or any officer or body exercising on behalf of the Crown functions conferred by an enactment.
(4)For the purposes of the provisions of this Act as they apply in relation to Crown employment or persons in Crown employment—
(a)employee and contract of employment mean a person in Crown employment and the terms of employment of such a person (but subject to subsection (5) below);
(b)dismissal means the termination of Crown employment;
F2(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(d)the reference in 182(1)(e) (disclosure of information for collective bargaining: restrictions on general duty) to the employer’s undertaking shall be construed as a reference to the national interest; and
(e)any other reference to an undertaking shall be construed, in relation to a Minister of the Crown, as a reference to his functions or (as the context may require) to the department of which he is in charge, and in relation to a government department, officer or body shall be construed as a reference to the functions of the department, officer or body or (as the context may require) to the department, officer or body.
(5)Sections 137 to 143 (rights in relation to trade union membership: access to employment) apply in relation to Crown employment otherwise than under a contract only where the terms of employment correspond to those of a contract of employment.
(6)This section has effect subject to section 274 (armed forces) and section 275 (exemption on grounds of national security).
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 273(2) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 15, Sch. 1 para. 8; S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch.
F2S. 273(4)(c) repealed (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 51, Sch. 10; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
(1)Section 273 (application of Act to Crown employment) does not apply to service as a member of the naval, military or air forces of the Crown.
(2)But that section applies to employment by an association established for the purposes of [F3Part XI of the Reserve Forces Act 1996] (territorial, auxiliary and reserve forces associations) as it applies to employment for the purposes of a government department.
Textual Amendments
F3Words in s. 274 substituted (1.4.1997) by 1996 c. 14, s. 131(1), Sch. 10 para. 24 (with s. 72(5)); S.I. 1997/305, art. 2(1)
(1)Section 273 (application of Act to Crown employment) does not apply to employment in respect of which there is in force a certificate issued by or on behalf of a Minister of the Crown certifying that employment of a description specified in the certificate, or the employment of a particular person so specified, is (or, at a time specified in the certificate, was) required to be excepted from that section for the purpose of safeguarding national security.
(2)A document purporting to be such a certificate shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed to be such a certificate.
(1)Section 138 (refusal of service of employment agency on grounds related to union membership), and the other provisions of Part III applying in relation to that section, bind the Crown so far as they relate to the activities of an employment agency in relation to employment to which those provisions apply.
This does not affect the operation of those provisions in relation to Crown employment by virtue of section 273.
(2)Sections 144 and 145 (prohibition of union membership requirements) and sections 186 and 187 (prohibition of union recognition requirements) bind the Crown.
(1)[F4The provisions of this Act (except those specified below)] apply in relation to employment as a relevant member of the House of Lords staff as in relation to other employment.
[F5(1A)The following provisions are excepted from subsection (1)—
sections 184 and 185 (remedy for failure to comply with declaration as to disclosure of information),
Chapter II of Part IV (procedure for handling redundancies).]
(2)Nothing in any rule of law or the law or practice of Parliament prevents a person from bringing [F6a civil employment claim before the court or from bringing] before an [F7employment tribunal] proceedings of any description F8. . . which could be brought before such a tribunal in relation to other employment.
[F9(2A)For the purposes of the application of the other provisions of this Act as they apply by virtue of this section—
(a)the reference in section 182(1)(e) (disclosure of information for collective bargaining: restrictions) to a person’s undertaking shall be construed as a reference to the national interest or, if the case so requires, the interests of the House of Lords; and
(b)any other reference to an undertaking shall be construed as a reference to the House of Lords.]
[F10(3)In this section—
relevant member of the House of Lords staff means any person who is employed under a contract of employment with the Corporate Officer of the House of Lords;
civil employment claim means a claim arising out of or relating to a contract of employment or any other contract connected with employment, or a claim in tort arising in connection with a person’s employment; and
the court means the High Court or a county court.]
Textual Amendments
F4Words in s. 277(1) substituted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 12(a); S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
F5S. 277(1A) inserted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 12(b); S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
F6Words in s. 277(2) inserted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 12(c); S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
F7Words in s. 277(2) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 1(2)(a) (with s. 16(2)); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F8Words in s. 277(2) repealed (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 51, Sch. 10; S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
F9S. 277(2A) inserted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 12(d); S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
F10S. 277(3) substituted (30.11.1993) for s. 277(3)-(6) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 12(e); S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
(1)The provisions of this Act (except those specified below) apply in relation to employment as a relevant member of the House of Commons staff as in relation to other employment.
(2)The following provisions are excepted from subsection (1)—
sections 184 and 185 (remedy for failure to comply with declaration as to disclosure of information),
Chapter II of Part IV (procedure for handling redundancies).
[F11(2A)Nothing in any rule of law or the law or practice of Parliament prevents a relevant member of the House of Commons staff from bringing a civil employment claim before the court or from bringing before an [F12employment tribunal]] proceedings of any description which could be brought before such a tribunal by any person who is not such a member.
(3)In this section relevant member of the House of Commons staff has the same meaning as in section 139 of the M1Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978.
[F13civil employment claim means a claim arising out of or relating to a contract of employment or any other contract connected with employment, or a claim in tort arising in connection with a person’s employment; and
the court means the High Court or the county court.]
(4)For the purposes of the other provisions of this Act as they apply by virtue of this section—
(a)employee and contract of employment include a relevant member of the House of Commons staff and the terms of employment of any such member (but subject to subsection (5) below);
(b)dismissal includes the termination of any such member’s employment;
(c)the reference in [F14section] 182(1)(e) (disclosure of information for collective bargaining: restrictions on general duty) to the employer’s undertaking shall be construed as a reference to the national interest or, if the case so requires, the interests of the House of Commons; and
(d)any other reference to an undertaking shall be construed as a reference to the House of Commons.
(5)Sections 137 to 143 (access to employment) apply by virtue of this section in relation to employment otherwise than under a contract only where the terms of employment correspond to those of a contract of employment.
(6)[F15Subsections (6) to (12) of section 195 of the Employment Rights Act 1996] (person to be treated as employer of House of Commons staff) apply, with any necessary modifications, for the purposes of this section.
Textual Amendments
F11S. 278(2A) inserted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 85(a); S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
F12Words in s. 278(2A) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 1(2)(a) (with s. 16(2)); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F13Words in s. 278(3) inserted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 85(b); S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
F14Words in s. 278(4)(c) inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 27; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F15Words in s. 278(6) substituted (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 18, ss. 240, 243, Sch. 1 para. 56(17) (with ss. 191-195, 202)
Marginal Citations
[F16(1)]In this Act worker includes an individual regarded in his capacity as one who works or normally works or seeks to work as a person [F17performing F18. . . personal dental services or] providing F18. . . general dental services, general ophthalmic services or pharmaceutical services in accordance with arrangements made—
(a)by a [F19Strategic Health Authority][F20Primary Care Trust or][F21Local Health Board] under section F22. . . 38 or 41 of the M2National Heath Service Act 1977, or
(b)by a Health Board under section [F2317C,]. . . 25, 26, or 27 of the M3National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978;
[F24or as a person providing local pharmaceutical services under a pilot scheme established by a [F25Primary Care Trust or] Health Authority under section 28 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 or under an LPS scheme established by a [F25Primary Care Trust or] Health Authority under Schedule 8A to the National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49) ;]and employer, in relation to such an individual, regarded in that capacity, means that authority or board.
[F26(2)In this Act “worker” also includes an individual regarded in his capacity as one who works or normally works or seeks to work as a person performing primary medical services or primary dental services—
(a)in accordance with arrangements made by a Primary Care Trust, Strategic Health Authority or Local Health Board under section 28C of the National Health Service Act 1977; or
(b)under a contract under section 28K or 28Q of that Act entered into by him with a Primary Care Trust or Local Health Board,
and “employer” in relation to such an individual, regarded in that capacity, means that Trust, Authority or Board.]
[F27(3)In this Act “worker” also includes an individual regarded in his capacity as one who works or normally works or seeks to work as a person performing primary medical services–
(a)in accordance with arrangements made by a Health Board under section 17C of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978; or
(b)under a contract under section 17J of that Act entered into by him with a Health Board,
and “employer” in relation to such an individual, regarded in that capacity, means that Health Board.]
Textual Amendments
F16S. 279 renumbered as s. 279(1) (1.4.2004) by virtue of Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), ss. 184, 199(1)(a), Sch. 11 para. 59(1)(3) (with savings (W.) by S.I. 2004/1016, art. 88); S.I. 2004/288, art. 5(2)(v) (with art. 7(1)(9) (as amended by S.I. 2005/2925, art. 12) and as amended by S.I. 2004/866, art. 2); S.I. 2004/480, art. 4(z) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2004/1019, art. 2(1) and as amended by S.I. 2006/345, art. 8(1))
F17Words in s. 279 inserted (1.4.1998 subject to art. 3 of S.I. 1998/631) by 1997 c. 46, s. 41(10), Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 67(a); S.I. 1998/631, art. 2(1)
F18Words in s. 279(1) omitted (1.4.2004) by virtue of The Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2004 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/957), art. 2, Sch. para. 7(a)(i) (with savings for effect (S.) by S.S.I. 2004/163, art. 99)
F19Words in s. 279(1)(a) inserted (E.W.) (1.10.2002) by National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17), ss. 4(3), 42(3), Sch. 3 Pt. 2 para. 13; S.I. 2002/2478, art. 3(1)(c)
F20Words in s. 279(1)(a) inserted (1.10.2002 for E.W. and otherwise prosp.) by 2002 c. 17, ss. 2(5), 42(3), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 60; S.I. 2002/2478, art. 3(1)(d)
F21Words in s. 279(1)(a) substituted (1.4.2007) by The References to Health Authorities Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/961), arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 22
F22Words in S. 279(1)(a) repealed (1.4.2004) by virtue of Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), ss. 184, 199(1)(a), Sch. 11 para. 59(1)(2), Sch. 14 Pt. 4 (with savings (W.) by S.I. 2004/1016, art. 88); S.I. 2004/288, arts. 5(2)(v), 6(2)(k) (with art. 7(1)(9) (as amended by S.I. 2005/2925, art. 12) and as amended by S.I. 2004/866, art. 2); S.I. 2004/480, arts. 4(z), 5(2)(k) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2004/1019, art. 2(1) and as amended by S.I. 2006/345, art. 8(1))
F23Words in s. 279 inserted (1.4.1998 subject to art. 3 of S.I. 1998/631) by 1997 c. 46, s. 41(10), Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 67(c); S.I. 1998/631, art. 2(1)
F24Words in s. 279 inserted (1.7.2002 for W. and 1.1.2003 for E.) by 2001 c. 15, ss. 67(1), 70(2), Sch. 5 Pt. 1 para. 9 (with ss. 64(9), 65(4)) ; S.I. 2002/1475, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1; S.I. 2003/53, art. 2(a)
F25Words in s. 279 inserted (1.10.2002) by National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17), ss. 2(5), 42(3), Sch. 2 para. 82; S.I. 2002/2478, art. 3(1)(d) (with arts. 3(3), 4)
F26S. 279(2) inserted (1.4.2004) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), ss. 184, 199(1)(a), Sch. 11 para. 59(1)(4) (with savings by S.I. 2004/1016, art. 88); S.I. 2004/288, art. 5(2)(v) (with art. 7(1)(9) (as amended by S.I. 2005/2925, art. 12) and as amended by S.I. 2004/866, art. 2); S.I. 2004/480, art. 4(z) (with arts. 6, 7) (as amended by S.I. 2004/1019, art. 2(1) and as amended by S.I. 2006/345, art. 8(1))
F27S. 279(3) inserted (1.4.2004) by The Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2004 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/957), art. 2, Sch. para. 7(b) (with savings for effect (S.) by S.S.I. 2004/163, art. 99)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 279(2) modified (E.) (1.4.2004) by The General Medical Services and Personal Medical Services Transitional and Consequential Provisions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/865), arts. 1(2), 109(2)(d)
C2S. 279(2) modified (W.) (1.4.2004) by The General Medical Services Transitional and Consequential Provisions (Wales) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1016), arts 1(2), 85(2)(d)
C3S. 279(3)(b) modified (1.4.2004) by The General Medical Services and Section 17C Agreements (Transitional and other Ancillary Provisions) (Scotland) Order 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/163), art. 96
Marginal Citations
(1)In this Act employee or worker does not include a person in police service; and the provisions of sections 137 and 138 (rights in relation to trade union membership: access to employment) do not apply in relation to police service.
(2)Police service means service as a member of any constabulary maintained by virtue of an enactment, or in any other capacity by virtue of which a person has the powers or privileges of a constable.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C4S. 280 modified (1.10.2002 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 30, s. 13, Sch. 3 Pt. 3 para. 19(5)(a) (with s. 14(1)); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 4(e); S.I. 2004/913, art. 2(d)
C5S. 280 modified (7.4.2010) by The UK Border Agency (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/782), regs. 1(1), 42(4)(a) (with reg. 72(3))
(1)The provisions of Chapter II of Part IV (procedure for handling redundancies) do not apply to employment—
(a)under a contract for a fixed term of three months or less, or
(b)under a contract made in contemplation of the performance of a specific task which is not expected to last for more than three months,
where the employee has not been continuously employed for a period of more than three months.
[F29(2)Chapter I of Part XIV of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (computation of period of continuous employment), and any provision modifying or supplementing that Chapter for the purposes of that Act, apply for the purposes of this section.]
Textual Amendments
F29S. 282(2) substituted (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 18, ss. 240, 243, Sch. 1 para. 56(18) (with ss. 191-195, 202)
Textual Amendments
F30S. 283 repealed (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 51, Sch.10; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
The following provisions of this Act do not apply to employment as master or as member of the crew of a fishing vessel where the employee [F31(or, in the case of sections 145A to 151, the worker)] is remunerated only by a share in the profits or gross earnings of the vessel—
In Part III (rights in relation to trade union membership and activities)—
sections 137 to 143 (access to employment),
[F32sections 145A to 151 (inducements and detriment)], and
sections 168 to 173 (time off for trade union duties and activities;
In Part IV, Chapter II (procedure for handling redundancies).
Textual Amendments
F31Words in s. 284 inserted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 16(1); S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
F32Words in s. 284 substituted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 16(2); S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
(1)The following provisions of this Act do not apply to employment where under his contract of employment an employee works, or in the case of a prospective employee would ordinarily work, outside Great Britain—
In Part III (rights in relation to trade union membership and activities)—
sections 137 to 143 (access to employment),
[F33sections 145A to 151 (inducements and detriment)], and
sections 168 to 173 (time off for trade union duties and activities;
In Part IV, [F34sections 193 and 194 (duty to notify Secretary of State of certain redundancies)].
[F35(1A)Sections 145A to 151 do not apply to employment where under his contract personally to do work or perform services a worker who is not an employee works outside Great Britain.]
(2)For the purposes of [F36subsections (1) and (1A)] employment on board a ship registered in the United Kingdom shall be treated as employment where under his contract a person ordinarily works in Great Britain unless—
(a)the ship is registered at a port outside Great Britain, or
(b)the employment is wholly outside Great Britain, or
(c)the employee or, as the case may be, [F37the worker or] the person seeking employment or seeking to avail himself of a service of an employment agency, is not ordinarily resident in Great Britain.
Textual Amendments
F33Words in s. 285(1) substituted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 17(2); S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
F34Words in s. 285(1) substituted (25.10.1999) by 1999 c. 26, s. 32(1); S.I. 1999/2830, art. 2(1) Sch. 1 Pt. I (with Sch. 3 para. 7)
F35S. 285(1A) inserted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 17(3); S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
F36Words in s. 285(2) substituted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 17(4)(a); S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
F37Words in s. 285(2)(c) inserted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 17(4)(b); S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
(1)This section applies in relation to the following provisions—
In Part III (rights in relation to trade union membership and activities), [F38sections 145A to 151 (inducements and detriment)],
In Part IV, Chapter II (procedure for handling redundancies), and
In Part V (industrial action), section 237 (dismissal of those taking part in unofficial industrial action).
(2)The Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument provide that any of those provisions—
(a)shall not apply to persons or to employment of such classes as may be prescribed by the order, or
(b)shall apply to persons or employments of such classes as may be prescribed by the order subject to such exceptions and modifications as may be so prescribed,
and may vary or revoke any of the provisions of sections 281 to 285 above (excluded classes of employment) so far as they relate to any such provision.
(3)Any such order shall be made by statutory instrument and may contains such incidental, supplementary or transitional provisions as appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient.
(4)No such order shall be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
Textual Amendments
F38Words in s. 286(1) substituted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 18; S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
(1)In this Act offshore employment means employment for the purposes of activities—
(a)in the territorial waters of the United Kingdom, or
(b)connected with the exploration of the sea-bed or subsoil, or the exploitation of their natural resources, in the United Kingdom sector of the continental shelf, or
(c)connected with the exploration or exploitation, in a foreign sector of the continental shelf, of a cross-boundary petroleum field.
(2)Her Majesty may by Order in Council provide that—
(a)the provisions of this Act, and
(b)any Northern Ireland legislation making provision for purposes corresponding to any of the purposes of this Act,
apply, to such extent and for such purposes as may be specified in the Order and with or without modification, to or in relation to a person in offshore employment or, in relation to sections 137 to 143 (access to employment), a person seeking such employment.
(3)An Order in Council under this section—
(a)may make different provision for different cases;
(b)may provide that the enactments to which this section applies, as applied, apply—
(i)to individuals whether or not they are British subjects, and
(ii)to bodies corporate whether or not they are incorporated under the law of a part of the United Kingdom,
and apply notwithstanding that the application may affect the activities of such an individual or body outside the United Kingdom;
(c)may make provision for conferring jurisdiction on any court or class of court specified in the Order, or on [F39employment tribunals], in respect of offences, causes of action or other matters arising in connection with offshore employment;
(d)may provide that the enactments to which this section applies apply in relation to a person in offshore employment in a part of the areas referred to in subsection (1)(a) and (b);
(e)may exclude from the operation of section 3 of the M4Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878 (consents required for prosecutions) proceedings for offences under the enactments to which this section applies in connection with offshore employment;
(f)may provide that such proceedings shall not be brought without such consent as may be required by the Order;
(g)may modify or exclude any of sections 281 to 285 (excluded classes of employment) or any corresponding provision of Northern Ireland legislation.
[F40(3A)An Order in Council under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]
(4)Any jurisdiction conferred on a court or tribunal under this section is without prejudice to jurisdiction exercisable apart from this section, by that or any other court or tribunal.
(5)In this section—
cross-boundary petroleum field means a petroleum field that extends across the boundary between the United Kingdom sector of the continental shelf and a foreign sector;
foreign sector of the continental shelf means an area outside the territorial waters of any state, within which rights with respect to the sea-bed and subsoil and their natural resources are exercisable by a state other than the United Kingdom;
petroleum field means a geological structure identified as an oil or gas field by the Order in Council concerned; and
United Kingdom sector of the continental shelf means the areas designated under section 1(7) of the M5Continental Shelf Act 1964.
Textual Amendments
F39Words in s. 287(3)(c) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 1(2)(b) (with s. 16(2)); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F40S. 287(3) inserted (25.10.1999) by 1999 c. 26, s. 32(2); S.I. 1999/2830, art. 2(1)(2) Sch. 1 Pt. I (with Sch. 3 para. 7)
Marginal Citations
(1)Any provision in an agreement (whether a contract of employment or not) is void in so far as it purports—
(a)to exclude or limit the operation of any provision of this Act, or
(b)to preclude a person from bringing—
(i)proceedings before an [F41employment tribunal] or the Central Arbitration Committee under any provision of this Act, F42. . .
(ii)F42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to an agreement to refrain from instituting or continuing proceedings where a conciliation officer has taken action under— [F43section 18 of the [F41Employment Tribunals Act 1996] (conciliation)]
F44[(2A)Subsection (1) does not apply to an agreement to refrain from instituting or continuing any proceedings, other than excepted proceedings, specified in [F45subsection (1)(b) of that section]] before an [F41employment tribunal] if the conditions regulating compromise agreements under this Act are satisfied in relation to the agreement.
(2B)The conditions regulating compromise agreements under this Act are that—
(a)the agreement must be in writing;
(b)the agreement must relate to the particular [F46proceedings];
(c)the complainant must have received [F47advice from a relevant independent adviser] as to the terms and effect of the proposed agreement and in particular its effect on his ability to pursue his rights before an [F41employment tribunal];
(d)there must be in force, when the adviser gives the advice, a [F48contract of insurance, or an indemnity provided for members of a profession or professional body,] covering the risk of a claim by the complainant in respect of loss arising in consequence of the advice;
(e)the agreement must identify the adviser; and
(f)the agreement must state that the conditions regulating compromise agreements under this Act are satisfied.
(2C)The proceedings excepted from subsection (2A) are proceedings on a complaint of non-compliance with section 188.
(3)Subsection (1) does not apply—
(a)to such an agreement as is referred to in section 185(5)(b) or (c) to the extent that it varies or supersedes an award under that section;
(b)to any provision in a collective agreement excluding rights under Chapter II of Part IV (procedure for handling redundancies), if an order under section 198 is in force in respect of it.
[F49(4)A person is a relevant independent adviser for the purposes of subsection (2B)(c)—
(a)if he is a qualified lawyer,
(b)if he is an officer, official, employee or member of an independent trade union who has been certified in writing by the trade union as competent to give advice and as authorised to do so on behalf of the trade union,
(c)if he works at an advice centre (whether as an employee or a volunteer) and has been certified in writing by the centre as competent to give advice and as authorised to do so on behalf of the centre, or
(d)if he is a person of a description specified in an order made by the Secretary of State.
(4A)But a person is not a relevant independent adviser for the purposes of subsection (2B)(c) in relation to the complainant—
(a)if he is, is employed by or is acting in the matter for the other party or a person who is connected with the other party,
(b)in the case of a person within subsection (4)(b) or (c), if the trade union or advice centre is the other party or a person who is connected with the other party,
(c)in the case of a person within subsection (4)(c), if the complainant makes a payment for the advice received from him, or
(d)in the case of a person of a description specified in an order under subsection (4)(d), if any condition specified in the order in relation to the giving of advice by persons of that description is not satisfied.
(4B)In subsection (4)(a) qualified lawyer means—
(a)as respects England and Wales, [F50a person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007, is an authorised person in relation to an activity which constitutes the exercise of a right of audience or the conduct of litigation (within the meaning of that Act), and]
(b)as respects Scotland, an advocate (whether in practice as such or employed to give legal advice), or a solicitor who holds a practising certificate.
(4C)An order under subsection (4)(d) shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
(5)For the purposes of subsection (4A) any two persons are to be treated as connected—
(a)if one is a company of which the other (directly or indirectly) has control, or
(b)if both are companies of which a third person (directly or indirectly) has control.]
[F51(6)An agreement under which the parties agree to submit a dispute to arbitration—
(a)shall be regarded for the purposes of subsections (2) and (2A) as being an agreement to refrain from instituting or continuing proceedings if—
(i)the dispute is covered by a scheme having effect by virtue of an order under section 212A, and
(ii)the agreement is to submit it to arbitration in accordance with the scheme, but
(b)shall be regarded for those purposes as neither being nor including such an agreement in any other case.]
Textual Amendments
F41Words in s. 288 substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 1(2)(a)(c) (with s. 16(2)); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F42S. 288(1)(b)(ii) and preceding word repealed (6.4.2005) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1)(2), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 19, Sch. 2; S.I. 2005/872, art. 4, Sch. (with arts. 6-21)
F43Words in s. 288 substituted for paras. (a) and (b) (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 17 ss. 43, 46, Sch. 1 para. 8(a) (with s. 38)
F44S. 288(2A)-(2C) inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 39(2), Sch. 6 para. 4(a); S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F45Words in s. 288(2A) substituted (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 18, ss. 43, 46, Sch. 1 para. 8(b) (with s. 38)
F46Word in s. 288(2B)(b) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 15, Sch. 1 para. 9(2); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F47Words in s. 288(2B)(c) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 9(1)(2)(c); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F48Words in s. 288(2B)(d) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 10(1)(2)(c); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F49S. 288(4)(4A)(4B)(4C)(5) substituted for s. 288(4)(5) (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 15, Sch. 1 para. 9(3); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch.
F50Words in s. 288(4B)(a) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 210, 211(2), Sch. 21 para. 107 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)
F51S. 288(6) inserted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 8(3); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(4))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C6S. 288 applied (2.3.2010) by The Employment Relations Act 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/493), regs. 1(b), 16
For the purposes of this Act it is immaterial whether the law which (apart from this Act) governs any person’s employment is the law of the United Kingdom, or of a part of the United Kingdom, or not.
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
F53S. 290 repealed (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 17, ss. 45, 46, Sch. 3 Pt. I (with s. 38)
F54(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F55(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F55(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F54S. 291(1) repealed (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, ss. 49(2), 51, Sch. 8 para. 87(a), Sch. 10; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F55S. 291(2)(3) repealed (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 17, ss. 45, 46, Sch. 3 Pt. I (with s. 38)
(1)This section has effect in relation to the following provisions so far as they confer rights on employees or make provision in connection therewith—
(a)F56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)sections 168 to 173 (time off for trade union duties and activities);
(c)sections 188 to 198 (procedure for handling redundancies).
[F57(1A)This section also has effect in relation to sections 145A to 151 so far as those sections confer rights on workers or make provision in connection therewith.]
(2)Where the employee [F58or worker] or employer dies, tribunal proceedings may be instituted or continued by a personal representative of the deceased employee [F58or worker] or, as the case may be, defended by a personal representative of the deceased employer.
(3)If there is no personal representative of a deceased employee [F58or worker], tribunal proceedings or proceedings to enforce a tribunal award may be instituted or continued on behalf of his estate by such other person as the [F59employment tribunal] may appoint, being either—
(a)a person authorised by the employee [F58or worker] to act in connection with the proceedings before his death, or
(b)the widower, widow, [F60surviving civil partner,] child, father, mother, brother or sister of the employee [F58or worker].
In such a case any award made by the [F59employment tribunal] shall be in such terms and shall be enforceable in such manner as may be prescribed.
(4)Any right arising under any of the provisions mentioned in subsection (1) [F61or (1A)] which by virtue of this section accrues after the death of the employee [F58or worker] in question shall devolve as if it had accrued before his death.
(5)Any liability arising under any of those provisions which by virtue of this section accrues after the death of the employer in question shall be treated for all purposes as if it had accrued immediately before his death.
Textual Amendments
F56S. 292(1)(a) repealed (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004, ss. 57(1)(2), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 20(2), {Sch. 2}; S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b)(c) (with arts. 4-8)
F57S. 292(1A) inserted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 20(3); S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
F58Words in s. 292(2)-(4) inserted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 20(4); S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
F59Words in s. 292(3) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 1(2)(a) (with s. 16(2)); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F60Words in s. 292(3)(b) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 261(1), 263(10)(b), Sch. 27 {para. 146}; S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(2)
F61Words in s. 292(4) inserted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 20(5); S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
(1)The Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe anything authorised or required to be prescribed for the purposes of this Act.
(2)The regulations may contain such incidental, supplementary or transitional provisions as appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient.
(3)Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
(1)If provision is made by Northern Ireland legislation for purposes corresponding to the purposes of any provision of this Act re-enacting a provision of the M6Employment Protection Act 1975 or the M7Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978, the Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, make reciprocal arrangements with the appropriate Northern Ireland authority for co-ordinating the relevant provisions of this Act with the corresponding Northern Ireland provisions so as to secure that they operate, to such extent as may be provided by the arrangements, as a single system.
(2)The Secretary of State may make regulations for giving effect to any such arrangements.
(3)The regulations may make different provision for different cases and may contain such supplementary, incidental and transitional provisions as appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient.
(4)The regulations may provide that the relevant provisions of this Act shall have effect in relation to persons affected by the arrangements subject to such modifications and adaptations as may be specified in the regulations, including provisions—
(a)for securing that acts, omission and events having any effect for the purposes of the Northern Ireland legislation have a corresponding effect for the purposes of the relevant provisions of this Act (but not so as to confer a right to double payment in respect of the same act, omission or event, and
(b)for determining, in cases where rights accrue both under the relevant provisions of this Act and under the Northern Ireland legislation, which of this rights is available to the person concerned.
(5)In this section the appropriate Northern Ireland authority means such authority as is specified in that behalf in the Northern Ireland legislation.
(6)Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
(1)In this Act—
contract of employment means a contract of service or of apprenticeship,
employee means an individual who has entered into or works under (or, where the employment has ceased, worked under) a contract of employment, and
employer, in relation to an employee, means the person by whom the employee is (or, where the employment has ceased, was) employed.
(2)Subsection (1) has effect subject to section 235 and other provisions conferring a wider meaning on contract of employment or related expressions.
(1)In this Act worker means an individual who works, or normally works or seeks to work—
(a)under a contract of employment, or
(b)under any other contract whereby he undertakes to do or perform personally any work or services for another party to the contract who is not a professional client of his, or
(c)in employment under or for the purposes of a government department (otherwise than as a member of the naval, military or air forces of the Crown) in so far as such employment does not fall within paragraph (a) or (b) above.
(2)In this Act employer, in relation to a worker, means a person for whom one or more workers work, or have worked or normally work or seek to work.
[F62(3)This section has effect subject to [F63sections 68(4), 145F(3) and 151(1B)].]
Textual Amendments
F62S. 296(3) inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para.88; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F63Words in s. 296(3) substituted (1.10.2004) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 21; S.I. 2004/2566, art. 3(b) (with arts. 4-8)
For the purposes of this Act any two employers shall be treated as associated if—
(a)one is a company of which the other (directly or indirectly) has control, or
(b)both are companies of which a third person (directly or indirectly) has control;
and associated employer shall be construed accordingly.
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
act and action each includes omission, and references to doing an act or taking action shall be construed accordingly;
[F64“certificate of independence” means a certificate issued under—
section 6(6), or
section 101A(4);]
contravention includes a failure to comply, and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;
dismiss, dismissal and effective date of termination, in relation to an employee, shall be construed in accordance with [F65Part X of the Employment Rights Act 1996];
F66. . .
tort, as respects Scotland, means delict, and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly.
Textual Amendments
F64S. 298: definition inserted (6.4.2005) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 50(4), 59(2)-(4); S.I. 2005/872, art. 4, Sch. (with arts. 6-21)
F65Words in s. 298 substituted (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 17, ss. 240, 243, Sch. 1 para. 56(19) (with ss. 191-195, 202)
F66S. 298: Definition of post repealed (26.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(2), Sch. 2
In this Act the expressions listed below are defined by or otherwise fall to be construed in accordance with the provisions indicated—
ACAS | section 247(1) |
act and action | section 298 |
advertisement (in sections 137 to 143) | section 143(1) |
[F67affected employees (in Part IV, Chapter II)] | [F67section 196(3)] |
[F68agent (of trade union)] | [F68section 119] |
appropriately qualified actuary (in sections 38 to 41) | section 42 |
associated employer | section 297 |
branch or section (of trade union) | section 119 |
[F69certificate of independence | section 298.] |
collective agreement and collective bargaining | section 178(1) |
F70. . . | F70. . . |
contract of employment | |
—generally | section 295(1) |
—in sections 226 to 234 | section 235 |
—in relation to Crown employment | section 273(4)(a) |
—in relation to House of Lords or House of Commons staff | sections 277(4) and 278(4)(a) |
contravention | section 298 |
the court (in Part I) | section 121 |
date of the ballot (in Part V) | section 246 |
dismiss and dismissal | |
—generally | section 298 |
—in relation to Crown employment | section 273(4)(c) |
—in relation to House of Commons staff | section 278(4)(b) |
[F68the duty of confidentiality] | [F68section 24A(3)] |
effective date of termination | section 298 |
employee | |
—generally | section 295(1) |
—in relation to Crown employment | section 273(4)(a) |
—in relation to House of Commons staff | section 278(4)(a) |
—excludes police service | section 280 |
[F71employee representatives (in Part IV, Chapter II)] | [F71section 196(1).] |
employer | |
—in relation to an employee | section 295(1) |
—in relation to a worker | section 296(2) |
—in relation to health service practitioners | section 279 |
employment and employment agency (in sections 137 to 143) | section 143(1) |
executive (of trade union) | section 119 |
[F68financial affairs (of trade union)] | [F68section 119] |
financial year (in Part VI) | section 272 |
general secretary | section 119 |
independent trade union (and related expressions) | section 5 |
list | |
—of trade unions | section 2 |
—of employers’ associations | section 123 |
Northern Ireland union (in Part I) | section 120 |
not protected (in sections 222 to 226) | section 219(4) |
officer | |
—of trade union | section 119 |
—of employers’ association | section 136 |
official (of trade union) | section 119 |
offshore employment | section 287 |
F72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | F72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
political fund | section 82(1)(a) |
political resolution | section 82(1)(a) |
F73. . . | F73. . . |
prescribed | section 293(1) |
president | section 119 |
recognised, recognition and related expressions | section 178(3) |
F70. . . | |
F70. . . | F70. . . |
F70. . . | F70. . . |
[F74representatives of a trade union (in Part IV, Chapter II)] | [F74section 196(2)] |
rules (of trade union) | section 119 |
strike (in Part V) | section 246 |
tort (as respects Scotland) | section 298 |
trade dispute | |
—in Part IV | section 218 |
—in Part V | section 244 |
trade union | section 1 |
undertaking (of employer) | |
—in relation to Crown employment | section 273(4)(e) and (f) |
—in relation to House of Commons staff | section 278(4)(c) and (d) |
worker | |
—generally | section 296(1) |
—includes health service practitioners | section 279 |
—excludes police service | section 280 |
working hours (in Part V) | section 246 |
Textual Amendments
F67Entry in s. 299 relating to affecting employees inserted (28.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1925, reg. 7
F68Entries in s. 299 inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 89; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F69S. 299: entry inserted (6.4.2005) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 50(5), 59(2)-(4); S.I. 2005/872, art. 4, Sch. (with arts. 6-21)
F70Entries in s. 299 repealed (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 51, Sch. 10; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F71Entry in s. 299 inserted (26.10.1995) by S.I. 1995/2587, reg. 7(2)
F72S. 299: entry repealed (6.4.2005) by Employment Relations Act 2004 (c. 24), ss. 57(1)(2), 59(2)-(4), Sch. 1 para. 22, Sch. 2; S.I. 2005/872, art. 4, Sch. (with arts. 6-21)
F73Entry in s. 299 relating to post repealed (26.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(2), Sch. 2
F74Entry in s. 299 substituted (26.10.1995) by S.I. 1995/2587, reg. 7(3)
(1)The enactments specified in Schedule 1 are repealed to the extent specified.
(2)The enactments specified in Schedule 2 are amended in accordance with that Schedule, the amendments being consequential on the provisions of this Act.
(3)Schedule 3 contains transitional provisions and savings.
(1)This Act extends to England and Wales and [F75(apart from section 212A(6)) to] Scotland.
(2)The following provisions of this Act extend to Northern Ireland—
(a)sections 13 and 14 (provisions as to property held in trust for trade union), and section 129 (application of provisions to employers’ associations) so far as it applies those sections;
(b)Chapter VI of Part I (application of funds for political objects), except sections 86 to 88 (duties of employer who deducts union contributions), for the purposes of the application of that Chapter to trade unions or unincorporated employers’ associations having their head or main office outside Northern Ireland;
(c)section 287 (offshore employment);
(d)section 294 (reciprocal arrangements with Northern Ireland);
(e)Schedule 1 (repeals) so far as it relates to enactments which extend to Northern Ireland, other than the M8Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act 1875;
(f)Schedules 2 and 3 (consequential amendments, transitional provisions and savings), so far as they relate to enactments which extend to Northern Ireland;
but this Act does not otherwise extend there.
(3)Subsection (2)(b) does not affect the operation of [F76Article 71(2) to (4) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1995] (application of Northern Ireland law to contributions by members in Northern Ireland); and the closing words of that subsection do not affect the operation in relation to persons or property in Northern Ireland of any provision of Chapter VII of Part I (amalgamations and similar matters) which is capable of so applying as part of the law of England and Wales or Scotland.
Textual Amendments
F75Words in s. 301(1) inserted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 15, Sch. 1 para. 10; S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F76Words in s. 301(3) substituted (1.10.1995) by S.I. 1995/1980 (N.I. 12), art. 150(2), Sch. 2; S.R. 1995/354, art. 2(1)
Marginal Citations
This Act comes into force at the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which it is passed.
This Act may be cited as the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
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