STORY
Unite the union failed to establish and maintain a satisfactory system of financial controls during 2021, according to the final report of an independent investigation commissioned by the Certification Officer. The investigation was commissioned in June 2025 following allegations of financial irregularities dating from 2019 and the final report was received by the Certification Officer this month.
The investigator found that during the year ending 31 December 2021 Unite did not maintain satisfactory controls over its accounting records, cash holdings, receipts and remittances, contrary to requirements in the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. The report did not find that the breach arose from refusal or wilful neglect.
The Certification Officer said Unite has since taken substantial steps to address the control failures, including significant strengthening of its finance functions. Following the investigation, the office will review statutory requirements governing annual returns and issue new guidance. It will also recommend financial awareness and compliance training for executive committees and boards of trade unions and employer associations.