By Unions21 | 3 min
On Wednesday 13 November 2025, union leaders, legal experts and policy makers came together in London to discuss the Employment Rights Bill and what it could mean for collective voice.
The event was Strengthening Collective Voice, a conference co-hosted by Unions21 and Thompsons Solicitors, and a packed agenda saw an exciting variety of speakers leading conversation and debate over where the challenges and opportunities lie for the trade union movement.
Morning sessions
The day kicked off with a welcome from Executive Director Becky Wright and an enthusiastically supportive video message from Kate Dearden MP, who clearly reiterated her passionate backing for the union movement and its support of the historic Bill.
Next up was not one but two keynote speeches, the first from TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak on how valuable an opportunity the Bill is to make real lasting change for working people, and the second from CIPD Chief Executive Peter Cheese, who explained the delicate balancing act between supporting both workers and employers.
The two talks that followed were more practical in nature, as Neil Todd from Thompsons broke down the key legal changes of the Bill and then Professor Mel Simms presented a case study focusing on the adult social care sector and how it is already adapting to the changes.
A change of pace then came with three separate workshops that attendees could choose from, allowing for more focused discussion as the groups split off into breakout rooms. Workshop 1 saw Paul Goldrick-Kelly, from the Nevin Economic Research Institute, present some extensive new research on how the world of work is changing; workshop 2 featured the Musician Union’s Sinead McCarney sharing her experiences of connecting with new types of workers; while in workshop 3, Iain Birrell from Thompsons took a look at the amends to s. 188 TULRCA.
Afternoon sessions
After lunch we heard from Owen Reidy, the General Secretary of ICTU, on how similar challenges and pressures are being managed in Ireland and other parts of the EU. Becky Wright joined Owen for the discussion and took questions from the audience.
It was then straight back into more workshops, with Unions21’s very own Niamh Sweeney chairing workshop 1 and explaining how Unions21 is using its expertise and insight to help trade unions adapt, improve and develop their services to members. In workshop 2 Rachel Curley from Prospect talked through her own experiences of adapting to the new realities, and workshop 3 saw Jo Seery from Thompsons focus on the key priorities for workers.
The final in-depth session returned to the conference’s main theme of strengthening collective voice. Here Adam Drummond, from researchers Stonehaven, spoke alongside Becky on some recent polling of non-unionised workers. There were many fascinating insights into the current perception of unions - which you can read about here and here - and the presentation left attendees with much food for thought.
A stimulating and thought-provoking day was then wrapped up by Thompsons Chief Executive Clare Mellor, followed by a valuable networking reception. Early feedback from attendees was very positive, with comments such as “a brilliant day”, “an excellent event” and even “the food was exceptional” - watch this space for the next event!
