A&O Shearman was formed in 2024 via the merger of two historic firms, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling. With nearly 4,000 lawyers globally, we are equally fluent in English law, U.S. law and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets.
This combination creates a new kind of law firm, one built to achieve unparalleled outcomes for our clients on their most complex, multijurisdictional matters – everywhere in the world. A firm that advises at the forefront of the forces changing the current of global business and that is unrivalled in its global strength.
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UK employers are on the cusp of the most significant changes to collective and trade union law in a generation, with the potential to reshape workforce engagement.
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UK employers are on the cusp of the most significant changes to collective and trade union law in a generation, with the potential to reshape workforce engagement. Whether or not you currently recognise a trade union, early preparation is essential. These reforms will affect every material restructuring and change management programme and could lead to new recognition requests, broader workplace access rights, and increased collective action.
Our webinar from November 2025 gives an overview of the reforms, their timing and likely impact, together with practical guidance on the steps you should take now. We also share perspectives from Germany and Australia—jurisdictions where similar regimes already apply—to highlight lessons learned and potential pitfalls for UK employers.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
