For the purposes of this Chapter persons are employee representatives if—
they have been elected by employees for the specific purpose of being consulted by their employer about dismissals proposed by him, or
having been elected or appointedby employees (whether before or after dismissals have been proposed by their employer) otherwise than for that specific purpose, it is appropriate (having regard to the purposes for which they were elected) for the employer to consult them about dismissals proposed by him,
and (in either case) they are employed by the employer at the time when they are elected or appointed.
References in this Chapter to representatives of a trade union, in relation to an employer, are to officials or other persons authorised by the trade union to carry on collective bargaining with the employer.
References in this Chapter to affected employees are to employees who may be affected by the proposed dismissals or who may be affected by measures taken in connection with such dismissals.