Acas survey highlights gap in conflict management skills
Over a quarter of workers think managers and unions are failing to prevent conflict, according to a new survey by Acas.
The conciliation service polled a sample of businesses and employees ahead of expanded rights for trade unions at work through the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Twenty-six per cent of employees thought that managers and employee representatives were ineffective at working together, while 31% did not have any employee representative at their workplace to address conflict.
Only 7% of those surveyed felt that their organisation was “very effective” at dealing with conflict through manager-union consultation, Acas found.
The Employment Rights Act gives new access rights to unions, which means employer and trade union relationships need to be more effective, Acas said.
Conflict management gap
These rights are due to come into force in October 2026, and a consultation on a draft code of practice on trade union access closed on 20 May 2026.
This code of practice will provide guidance on how access is requested, agreed and implemented.
In its response to the government consultation, Acas recommended that the code should balance rights and responsibilities for both sides – ensuring the access arrangements are meaningful and regular and achieved through positive discussion.
It also suggested that organisations could set up voluntary agreements on access rather than rushing to formal procedures.
Kevin Rowan, Acas director of dispute resolution, said: “We know there is a conflict management skills gap in Britain, and our survey shows too many cases where employee representatives and managers are not effective enough at working with each other, leading to conflict and disruption.
“Effective relationships between employee representatives and managers can help build trust, prevent disputes and contribute to productive organisations.
“I’m pleased the new draft Code recognises the valuable work that Acas collective conciliators do to build positive relationships between trade unions and employers. There is a need for a balance on both sides on the right for trade union access outlined in the Code.”
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