How is the work of translators in the UK organized?

Are there any professional unions? Are any licenses required?

I am an English-Russian translator and interpreter living in Russia and just wonder what the work of my colleagues in Europe looks like.How is the work of translators in the UK organized?
Graham H is correct. The Institute of Linguists cornered the market a few years ago by reaching an agreement that only interpreters who had passed its exams could enter the public service interpreting market. However, you asked not about interpreters, but translators. There are several universities offering courses in translation (and interpreting) and most people find that a qualification from one of these bodies is more than acceptable when seeking to appoint a translator. Certainly this is the case with international organisations. Here is a link showing what one such university can offer. http://www.bath.ac.uk/esml/tpls/How is the work of translators in the UK organized?
Most decent translators and interpreters are regulated by the Institute of Linguists, and nowadays, it is difficult to get decent translation or interpreting work unless you have passed the IoL exam and are registered with it.