Union ‘facility time' costs public sector £98m a year
Sunday Express
|February 23, 2025
WORKERS in taxpayer-funded jobs spent time worth almost £100million on trade union activities in the last financial year, analysis reveals.
The Taxpayers' Alliance found "facility time" cost £98.2million to public sector organisations.
The campaign group added it is appalled that Labour is ending mandatory reporting on staff taking time off for union work.
The Employment Rights Bill will also remove ministers' power to impose a cap on these activities.
The alliance says the number of public sector organisations reporting facility time has almost halved.
It found 21,639 employees acted as union representatives. Nearly 1,000 spent all their working hours on facility time – and 438 spent more than half.
The TPA says it cost the NHS £17.1million in 2023-24. Among local authorities, the cost across 231 councils came to £33.3million.
This story is from the February 23, 2025 edition of Sunday Express.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Sunday Express
Sunday Express
Do protests leave Iran on brink of civil war?
IRAN'S escalating protests risk tipping into full-scale civil war and potentially handing power to a military dictator and destabilising the Middle East, a former defence minister has warned.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
Sunday Express
'It's crucial we reform the benefits system for the sake of our youth'
Unlike many MPs, Jonathan Ashworth knows exactly what it's like to survive a difficult childhood. And it's those experiences that drive him to ensure Labour doesn't abandon our young people
5 mins
January 04, 2026
Sunday Express
Embrace the new every day
I can't believe it's 2026 - yet it seems like only yesterday that I said the same thing about 2025.
1 mins
January 04, 2026
Sunday Express
Wonder-haul! Oasis bank £8m a gig on reunion tour
OASIS were easily the top-earning British band last year, banking an average £8million per gig.
1 min
January 04, 2026
Sunday Express
Unhappy Blue Year for Maresca despite Guardiola showering him with praise
Unhappy Blue NEW YEAR'S EVE is supposed to be a joyous occasion, full of celebrations, laughter and excitement but that was not the case for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea.for Maresca despite Guardiola showering him with praise
2 mins
January 04, 2026
Sunday Express
A bird's Eye view for some as the Wolf Moon rises over London
THESE London Eye passengers were in the perfect spot for photos as the Wolf Moon loomed over the capital in clear conditions - a heated pod on the 443ft observation wheel.
1 min
January 04, 2026
Sunday Express
The Victorian serial killer you probably haven't heard of...
LUCY WORSLEY ON A MISSION
4 mins
January 04, 2026
Sunday Express
Voters predict an economy crash and Reeves to be out
BRITONS expect to be hammered with an income tax hike, are braced for a recession and think Rachel Reeves is likely to exit the Treasury before 2026 ends.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
Sunday Express
Enders legend Michelle blasts 'ageist' bosses in Hollywood
EASTENDERS icon Michelle Collins says that British soaps are far kinder to women and promote equality much better than the cut-throat industry in Hollywood.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
Sunday Express
Banishing of the barrister
BARRISTER Hugo admitted his fake sympathy failed as he was revealed as a baddie and kicked off the Traitors show.In a thrilling episode last night, the game climaxed with Hugo being banished after a highly charged round-table discussion between contestants.
1 min
January 04, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size