Unions are winning a record number of recognition deals covering workers ranging from airline staff to bank employees, a report showed today.

A total of 159 deals were struck last year - twice as many as in 1999 - mainly in private firms.

The agreements covered collective bargaining on pay and conditions, a commitment to information and consultation as well as policies on training.

The new legal rights to recognition played a big part in securing many of the deals.

TUC general secretary John Monks said: "Unions have been working hard to increase the number of new recognition deals over the past year - and the quality of the deals is significant."

Many of the agreements went "way beyond" the statutory minimum, according to a survey by the TUC.

Mr Monks said: "Rather than being reluctant, many employers seem to be embracing new relationships with trade unions."

New recognition deals last year covered more than 58,000 workers, including some workplaces where unions were de-recognised in the past.