FIRMS in East Lancashire are being warned to be ready for new rights for workers
From September 4 employees have the right to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union official in disciplinary hearings at work.
The new rules apply whether workplaces have recognised trade unions or not.
The Engineering Employers' Federation in the North West is now urging its members to make sure they abide by the new law.
"Our member companies in the region are certainly seeing an increase in demand for union recognition and membership from employees," said Sandra Howard, head of legal affairs in the North West.
"However this new measure goes one step further. It will allow an employee who has chosen to be a union member independently of whatever is happening at their work to call on their union for expert advice and support in hearings."
The EEF North West is organising a seminar on trade union recognition in Manchester on September 15. Further details are available on 0161 788 9611.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article