The National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades (KFAT) was a trade union in the United Kingdom. History The National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades was formed in 1991 through the amalgamation of the National Union of Hosiery and Knitwear Workers and the National Union of the Footwear, Leather and Allied Trades. It had 82,303 members when it was formed. KFAT organised a range of clothing-related workers and was particularly strong in areas of the East Midlands including Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, with other members in Lancashire textile regions and the Yorkshire leather-producing industry. It absorbed the Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe and Slipper Operatives in the mid 1990s. The union was notable for its high proportion of female members - roughly half of its members in 2004 being women. After initially considering amalgamation with the National Union of Tailors and Garment Workers KFAT merged with the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation in 2004 to form Community. Leadership General presidents 1991: David Lambert 1994: Helen McGrath 1999: Tony Hallam General secretaries 1991: George Browett 1992: Helen McGrath 1994: Paul Gates References External links Catalogue of the KFAT archives, held at the Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick Defunct trade unions of the United Kingdom Textile and clothing trade unions 1991 establishments in the United Kingdom Trade unions established in 1991 Trade unions disestablished in 2004 Trade unions based in Leicestershire