GCSECitizenship StudiesAQARevision Notes3. Rights & Responsibilities3.3 Law: Development, Protection & Dealing with CriminalsThe Right to Representation - Employees & Employers

The Right to Representation - Employees & Employers (AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Exam code: 8100

Michael Mitchell

Written by: Michael Mitchell

Reviewed by: Lisa Eades

Updated on

Role and history of employee rights

  • Trade unions are organised groups of workers that provide collective representation with employers and government to pursue the aims of their members

    • This can relate to pay, working conditions and employment rights

History of trade unions - key dates and events

Date

Events and significance

1799–1800

  • The Combination Acts were passed, making it illegal for workers to join together in trade unions or take collective action

  • This severely limited workers’ rights and favoured employers during the Industrial Revolution

1834

  • The Tolpuddle Martyrs, six farm workers from Dorset, were transported to Australia for forming a trade union and taking an oath

  • Public outrage followed, helping to build support for trade union rights and leading to their eventual pardon

1851

  • The Amalgamated Society of Engineers was formed

  • This and subsequent unions were well organised, collected regular subscriptions, and aimed to work within the law to improve pay and conditions

1868

  • The first meeting of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) took place in Manchester

  • The TUC brought unions together to campaign collectively for workers’ rights and help influence government policy

1901–1906

  • The Taff Vale judgment (1901) made trade unions financially responsible for employers’ losses during strikes, weakening unions

  • This was reversed by the Trade Disputes Act (1906), which protected unions’ right to strike without being sued

1926

  • A General Strike took place in support of miners facing wage cuts and longer hours

  • The government used troops and volunteers to maintain services, showing the limits of union power and leading to tighter controls on strikes

1980

  • Trade union membership peaked at around 13 million, reflecting strong union influence in many industries

  • This period marked the high point of union power in the UK

1980–1993

  • The government passed six Employment Acts, which reduced trade union power by limiting strikes, requiring ballots, and restricting picketing

  • These laws significantly weakened unions

2024

  • Trade union membership stands at around 6.4 million, showing a long-term decline compared with the 1980s

  • However, unions still play an important role in protecting workers’ rights

Role of employer associations

  • Employer organisations exist to represent the interests of employers, in a similar way that trade unions represent employees

    • They aim to balance the influence of trade unions by influencing policy and ensuring employers’ views are heard in discussions about employment law, taxation and economic policy

  • These organisations are often consulted by the government when new laws or regulations are being proposed

    • They help shape employment laws and working conditions by contributing to debates

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

  • The CBI is one of the best-known employer organisations in the UK

    • It represents a large number of major businesses across different industries

  • It works to influence government decisions by providing advice on economic growth, employment law and international trade

  • It also aims to create a positive business environment by promoting investment and competitiveness

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

  • The Federation of Small Businesses represents small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

    • It focuses on issues such as tax, access to finance and employment laws, which can have a significant impact on smaller businesses

  • The FSB gives small business owners a collective voice when dealing with government and local authorities

Sector-based and regional employer organisations

  • Some employer organisations represent specific industries or professions, allowing them to focus on issues unique to that sector

Examples of sector-based employer organisations

The Road Haulage Association

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU)

  • Represents transport and logistics businesses

  • Campaigns on issues such as fuel costs, driver shortages, and road safety

  • Represents farmers and agricultural businesses

  • Works to influence government policy on food production, environmental rules, and rural development

  • Some organisations operate at a regional or local level

    • The Scottish Decorators Association supports businesses in a specific trade and location by offering advice, training and representation

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Michael Mitchell

    Author: Michael Mitchell

    Expertise: Content Writer

    Michael Mitchell is a pioneer of Citizenship education and a former Chief Examiner and Chief Moderator across all qualification levels. Michael's aim is to enable students to participate and become active citizens and not just passive members of society. He designed national specifications and, later, trained the next generation of teachers as the PGCE Subject Leader at the University of Plymouth, where he also ran a national Master's-level CPD program.

    Lisa Eades

    Reviewer: Lisa Eades

    Expertise: Business Content Creator

    Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.