Nick Venedi comments

The so called Tax Payers Alliance (Tory boy and co) have come back with more criticism about the amount of time given to Trade Union reps for time off. The TPA should read section 188 of the Trade Union Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act of 1992 which was, as it happens, brought in by their darling Mrs Thatcher, which clearly places obligations and confers rights on TU reps to do with representation and consultation in times of redundancies. They should also read the ACAS code of practice on issues to do with time off for duties (that is if any of them can read..)I would argue that more time is needed and better facilities should be made available to train reps. The majority of those who take up this role end up destroying their own careers and inflict great stress on themselves and those around them because there is little support, many of them suffer in silence but they continue mainly because they are people who go out of their way to help others and are motivated very simply by the desire to help and support fellow workers. The TPA should learn a few facts before they start being so critical. More time off is needed, more support and better training! I am talking as someone with 22 years experience on this!