Crossword Genius

Unions returning on a smaller scale? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cut

'on a smaller scale?' is the definition.
(cut can mean reduced)

'unions returning' is the wordplay.
'unions' becomes 'tuc' (Trades Union Congress).
'returning' is a reversal indicator.
'tuc' in reverse letter order is 'CUT'.

(Other definitions for cut that I've seen before include "Slice, chop" , "Shorten; remove" , "Make an incision" , "reduced" , "Fail to attend" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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