Legislation which imposes an obligation on firms to recognise trade unions has been a success, a group representing some of the region's biggest employers has admitted.

The EEF, which represents 400 manufacturing and engineering firms in Yorkshire, said the Employment Relat-ions Act had helped to improve dealings between staff and bosses.

EEF Yorkshire director Ian Hughes said the majority of cases had been resolved through voluntary agreement without unions having to resort to statutory enforcement procedures.

"We did have some reservations when the legislation was being debated," admitted Mr Hughes, "but we have been relieved to see how well the Employment Relations Act has worked in practice."

The legislation is under review by the Government and Mr Hughes welcomed plans to continue to exclude firms with fewer than 20 employees.

But he added: "We are disappointed that the Government has failed to respond to requests that weak claims should be weeded out at an early stage."