The Government consulted on proposals for the right of trade unions to access workplaces and a new duty on employers to inform workers of their right to join a trade union. The consultations in respect of both were open from 23 October – 18 December 2025:
Right of trade unions to access workplaces
The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) will introduce a new framework for trade unions to access workplaces physically, and to communicate with workers in person or digitally. This includes details on:
- how unions will request access
- how and how quickly employers respond
- factors the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) will take into account when determining whether access should be granted and on what terms (the CAC is an independent statutory authority with specific functions relating to trade unions and employers. Their most significant function is adjudicating on the recognition and derecognition of trade unions for collective bargaining in the workplace), and
- how the CAC is to come to decisions on the values of fines issued for breaches of access agreements
Duty to inform workers of right to join a union
The ERB will introduce a new duty on employers to give a written statement to their workers, informing them of their right to join a trade union at the start of their employment and at other times. This includes details on:
- what form the statement should take
- what content should be included
- the manner in which the statement must be delivered
- the frequency with which the statement must be reissued after the beginning of employment
The LGA submitted a response to the consultation on behalf of the local government sector, and a copy of that response is available by emailing [email protected]