We support the rights of employees to engage in trade union activities, and recognise unions, employee councils and employee associations in more than 20 countries worldwide.

In our two largest markets, the UK and South Africa, we have reached progressive partnership agreements with the major trade unions. Where unions do not exist, we liaise with works councils and employee associations, and engage directly with our employees. However, in some countries unions are either not strong or even illegal. In Africa, we have developed a Pan-African forum to work constructively with our colleagues, whilst in Europe we have the Barclays Group European forum which brings together colleagues from across our European businesses.

In a recent survey published in September by Union Network International (UNI), Barclays was rated the best of 25 major financial institutions in relation to union rights and freedom of association.

In May 2007, we signed an agreement, called The Pledge, between Absa and its recognised trade union SASBO in South Africa. The agreement is based on our UK Partnership Principles approach to managing industrial relations.