Held under the theme Unity Works, this year's Congress brought together the trade union movement to discuss the issues shaping the future of work, from workers' rights and workplace safety to equality, justice and international solidarity.  

As the law firm of the trade union movement, Thompsons contributed to discussions throughout the week, meeting delegates on its exhibition stand and participating in a series of fringe events alongside union partners.  

Justice, workplace safety and solidarity  

A key part of Thompsons' Congress programme was a series of fringe events exploring issues that remain central to the trade union movement.  

Alongside the National Union of Mineworkers, Thompsons hosted a fringe event examining the ongoing fight for justice following the events at Orgreave in 1984. The session brought together campaigners, legal experts and trade union representatives to discuss the recently announced inquiry, the next steps in the process and the continuing search for truth and accountability. Harry Thompson, Solicitor Advocate at Thompsons, joined the panel discussion.  

Workplace health and safety was also high on the agenda. In partnership with Unite the Union, Thompsons hosted a fringe event focusing on the growing silicosis crisis linked to engineered stone. Daniel Poet, Partner and National Head of Disease, joined trade union and occupational hygiene experts to discuss recent developments, including updated HSE guidance, enforcement activity and calls for stronger action to tackle a preventable occupational disease that continues to affect workers across the UK.  

International solidarity was another important theme throughout Congress. Thompsons Chief Executive Clare Mellor joined speakers at a Cuba Solidarity Campaign fringe event examining the impact of the ongoing blockade of Cuba and the challenges facing workers and communities on the island. The discussion highlighted the role of the trade union movement in supporting workers internationally and reaffirmed the importance of solidarity across borders. Gerard Stilliard, Head of Union Client Relations, chaired Justice for Colombia’s fringe which welcomed union officials and regional specialists to consider the grave dangers facing Colombia’s trade unionists and its wider civil society following the election of far right President de la Espriella. 

Reflecting the priorities of the movement  

The themes explored through Thompsons' fringe events echoed many of the wider discussions taking place throughout Congress.  

Delegates debated how to ensure workers benefit from new employment rights, improve workplace health and safety, strengthen collective action and address the challenges facing workers in an evolving world of work.  

Throughout the week, Congress reinforced the importance of partnership between trade unions, campaigners, legal representatives and workplace activists in delivering positive change for working people.  

Looking ahead  

For more than 100 years, Thompsons has worked alongside trade unions to defend workers' rights, improve workplace safety and secure justice for injured workers and their families.  

TUC Congress provides an opportunity to strengthen those relationships, share expertise and contribute to discussions on the issues that matter most to working people.  

As Congress drew to a close, the message behind this year's theme, Unity Works, remained clear. Progress is achieved when workers come together, support one another and act collectively to create safer workplaces, stronger rights and a fairer society.  

Thompsons would like to thank everyone who attended its events, visited the stand and contributed to discussions throughout the week. We look forward to continuing those conversations and working alongside our union partners in the months ahead.