UK: Welcome to the Hotel Unite

A former senior official at one of the UK’s largest trade unions, Unite, has lost an unfair dismissal claim amid ongoing investigations relating to the construction of its vastly over-budget hotel and conference centre in Birmingham.

Why it matters: The case underscores serious concerns about financial management within major U.K. trade unions, potentially affecting trust and governance.

Details: Howard Beckett, former assistant general secretary, was suspended after the union discovered £14m unaccounted for in its accounts, linked to a costly construction project.

What’s next: Beckett plans to appeal the decision and has launched legal action against Unite for breach of privacy, while the union pursues legal claims to recover lost funds.  

It is unclear if, like Hotel California, you check in to Hotel Unite you can never leave.