Collective agreements

Produced by Tolley in association with Hogan Lovells
Employment Tax
Guidance

Collective agreements

Produced by Tolley in association with Hogan Lovells
Employment Tax
Guidance
imgtext

Collective agreements are agreements negotiated between one or more trade union and one or more employer or employers' association. Collective agreements can affect almost all aspects of the employment relationship and the terms and conditions of an individual employment contract, including:

  1. remuneration

  2. working hours

  3. working conditions

  4. overtime

  5. disciplinary procedures

  6. grievance procedures

  7. training

  8. health and safety

TULR(C)A 1992, s 178(1)

Collective agreements can cover all employees, they are not limited to the union members.

Enforceability between union and employer

The provisions of TULR(C)A 1992 as well as the common law both hold that the existence of a collective agreement does not equate to an intention to create legal relations between the parties. In order for a collective agreement to be enforceable between the union and the employer it must:

  1. be in writing, and

  2. contain a provision clearly indicating that the parties intend it to be legally enforceable

This rule applies to collective agreements only where they relate to:

  1. terms and conditions of employment, or the physical conditions of work

  2. engagement

Continue reading the full document
To gain access to additional expert tax guidance, workflow tools, generative tax AI, and tax research, register for a free trial of Tolley+™
Powered by Tolley+
  • 18 Dec 2025 10:00

Popular Articles

SEIS and EIS ― overview

SEIS and EIS ― overviewThe seed enterprise investment scheme (SEIS) and enterprise investment scheme (EIS) are very similar schemes which offer substantial tax incentives to investors in companies which qualify. The tax incentives for SEIS and EIS investments are intended to encourage investment in

14 Jul 2020 13:31 | Produced by Tolley Read more Read more

Exemption ― burial and cremation

Exemption ― burial and cremationThis guidance note provides an overview of the VAT treatment of services that are provided in connection with the burial or cremation of human remains.VAT treatmentThe following services are exempt from VAT:•the disposal of the remains of the dead•making arrangements

14 Jul 2020 11:38 | Produced by Tolley Read more Read more

Long service awards

Long service awardsEmployee recognition by an employer can be an important motivational tool, as well as having a positive effect on retention. Most employer awards made to an employee are treated as taxable earnings under ITEPA 2003, s 62 or as a benefit under ITEPA 2003, s 201 because they are

14 Jul 2020 12:11 | Produced by Tolley Read more Read more