Collective Consultation Request Letter Template & Generator

If you need to request formal collective consultation before fire and rehire proceeds, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong collective consultation request should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• Reference statutory collective consultation obligations
• State the minimum consultation period required
• Request written details of proposed changes and business justification

When collective consultation is legally required

If an employer proposes to dismiss and re-engage 20 or more employees at one establishment within 90 days — which fire and rehire proposals often do — collective consultation obligations under TULRCA 1992 are triggered, requiring meaningful consultation with recognised unions or elected employee representatives, not just individual discussions.

What to include before you send it

• A clear statement that collective consultation obligations appear to apply given the scale of proposed changes
• A request for confirmation of the consultation process and timeline
• A request for the specific information employers must provide under collective consultation rules
• Reference to the minimum consultation periods required by law

What happens if an employer skips this requirement

Failing to properly collectively consult where required can result in a protective award of up to 90 days' pay per affected employee — this is a significant financial risk for employers, and one worth clearly flagging if you believe the threshold for collective consultation has been reached but proper process hasn't been followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as "one establishment" for this threshold?
This generally refers to a distinct workplace or site, though the exact interpretation can be complex in businesses with multiple locations — it's worth seeking clarification or advice if this is disputed.

Does this apply even if changes are only to terms, not job losses?
Yes — collective consultation requirements can apply to fire and rehire situations even without redundancies, since it covers dismissals generally, including dismissal and re-engagement on new terms.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.