Trade union membership has increased to nearly eight million, according to new statistics.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that union membership rose by 46,000 over the last year, the second consecutive annual increase. Before the 50,000 rise recorded in 2000, the number of union members had fallen steadily since 1979.

However, the new figures show membership is still 1.5 million below the 1990 levels.

The rise suggests unions could be enjoying renewed popularity, having had their influence and powers boosted by Labour's legislation. The Employment Relations Act forced employers to recognise a union if a majority of the workers voted for it.

The rise in the overall number of people in employment in the economy will also have increased the potential number of union members.

Union membership was strongest in the north east and Wales and lowest in the east of England. Education and the privatised utility sectors of electricity, gas and water have the highest rates of union membership in the country.

TUC general secretary John Monks said the figures showed unions remain an important force in the workplace.

"These figures show the decline that took place through the '80s and most of the '90s has been halted and with almost one in three of the workforce in trade unions we remain an important force at the workplace and in society.

"But we are running to stand still. We still have much to do if we are not just to reverse the decline but to start to build significant new membership. We must reach out to the many who have yet to see that unions are relevant to their job," said Monks.