UK trade unions to gain statutory workplace access rights

Starting 30 October 2026, independent trade unions will receive a new statutory right to request access to workplaces under the Employment Rights Act 2025. This legislation amends the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, granting unions the ability to seek access agreements with employers for purposes such as meeting, supporting, representing, recruiting, or organising workers, as well as facilitating collective bargaining.

If an employer refuses a request, the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) may issue an order to grant access. While unions can seek both physical and virtual access, the law stipulates that such access must not unreasonably interfere with the employer’s business operations.

A Draft Code of Practice suggests that union access should typically occur during normal working hours to maximize communication with the workforce, though it emphasizes that unions must minimise disruption, particularly for small businesses. The Code recommends considering rest periods or the end of shifts for large-scale events to mitigate impact on business activities.