Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about the CAC.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
1) When should the union send its application, made under Part I of Schedule A1, to the employer?
5) Where do I send a completed application?
6) Can an employer derecognise a union?
7) Can I search for a CAC decision on the CAC’s website?
8) How long is a ballot under Part I of Schedule A1?
1) When should the union send its application, made under Part I of Schedule A1, to the employer?
If you did not get a response from the employer during the first period of 10 working days, or if the employer refused your request without giving any indication that it was prepared to negotiate, the union can apply to the CAC as soon as the first period has expired. A copy of the application, along with any supporting documentation, must then be sent to the employer.
2) How many days does the employer have to respond to a formal written request for recognition received from the union, under Part I of Schedule A1.
The employer has 10 working days to respond to the union’s formal request for recognition.
3) How many days does the employer have to negotiate with the union following receipt of a formal request for recognition, under Part I of Schedule A1.
If during the first period of 10 working days the employer offers to negotiate, then this triggers an additional 20-day negotiation period which must expire before any application can be made by the Union. The 20-day negotiation period can be extended by agreement of the parties.
4) What supporting documents should the union include when submitting an application, under Part I of Schedule A1.
The Union should include with its application;
-
a copy of its Certificate of Independence
-
a copy of the written request to the employer as well as any response.
5) Where do I send a completed application?
All completed applications to the CAC should be submitted electronically and can be sent to the CAC enquiries e-mail address: enquiries@cac.gov.uk
6) Can an employer derecognise a union?
Three years after a CAC declaration of recognition, employers and workers can apply to the CAC to have a union derecognised.
However, if the CAC did not declare the union recognised, the CAC is unable to assist with the derecognition of the union. If recognition is not statutory then it will be by way of a voluntary agreement between the union and the employer and only the parties to the agreement can dissolve it.
7) Can I search for a CAC decision on the CAC’s website?
All outcomes and decisions for applications to the CAC under all jurisdictions can be found on the CAC’s website, under “CAC Outcomes” and the year in which the application was received.
8) How long is a ballot under Part I of Schedule A1?
The ballot period is normally a 20-day period, unless the CAC decides that this period should be extended.