At Osborne Clarke we have a policy of not acting for trade unions, so that we can focus on the industrial relations needs of our employer clients. Many of our clients have achieved good industrial relations and we work with them to ensure those continue. However, if they do break down, we are firm and unflinching in supporting our clients' position.

Clients value our depth of experience - between them, our partners have over 50 years' experience of dealing with trade union recognition agreements; collective bargaining and major industrial action disputes in the UK and in Europe. They also value our insider knowledge; one of our partners was an industrial relations officer for the Newspaper Society before he became a lawyer.

We regularly advise employers on strike ballots, union recognition and the rights of trade union members and employee representatives. We have supported major employers in the establishment of their European and UK Works Councils and now advise them on practical day-to-day operational issues.

And we also have first-hand experience of the benefits that can result from taking a positive approach to employee relations. Some time ago we implemented flexible working, employee bonus schemes and an Osborne Clarke Employee Forum, through which we inform and consult with our people. We regularly share our experience of collective consultation with our clients.

• advising a number of PLCs on the implementation of the new information and consultation legislation
• providing industrial relations advice to Hanson and P&O
• drafting European Works' Council Agreements for a number of clients