Unions in decline

THE NUMBER of companies recognising unions continues to fall, but businesses which back worker involvement achieved the best growth and productivity, according to a survey of 30,000 workers at 3,000 UK firms. Ministers said the government-backed study proved it was good business sense to promote "partnership" in the workplace.

However, family-friendly policies were not widespread: just 4 per cent of employees were offered help with childcare and only one in four was allowed parental leave.