Explanation:

An official called the Certification Officer maintains a list of trade unions. A trade union whose name is on the list can apply to the Certification Officer for a certificate that it is independent.The Trades Union Certification Officer was established in the United Kingdom by Act of Parliament in 1975. They head the Certification Office for Trade Unions and Employers' Associations.In order to be recognised by the Officer, a union must first apply to be listed – a simple paper process, costing £150. But to be recognised as an independent union, with all the attendant legal benefits that follow, a union must undergo a more rigorous inspection to confirm its independence from employers. This currently costs £4,066.