Soundbite: The duty to inform workers of their right to join a union delayed until January 2027

The duty to inform workers of their right to join a union delayed until January 2027

Many clients have been asking about the duty to inform workers of their right to join a union, which was initially due to come into effect on 30 October 2026.  While further guidance was expected on this duty, it has not yet been issued.  The Government has now pushed this duty back to January 2027, which is good news for employers.

The Government have also published their response to the public consultation on this change.  We understand that:

• There will be a standardised statement for employers to issue, which can’t be amended (other than inserting specific workplace information).
• The written statement will include a brief explanation of union functions, a list of and information on recognised trade unions and/or statutory access agreements (where applicable) and a summary of statutory rights.
• Employers must also include a link to the Certification Officer’s list of trade unions within the statement or provide a copy of the list at the same time as the contract of employment.
• For existing workers, the statement can be delivered directly or indirectly but must be reasonably accessible.  If indirectly provided, the statement must remain continuously available and employees’ must be sent an annual reminder of where to find it.
• Where there is a change to the identity of recognised unions or statutory access agreements, the statement will need to be reissued within one month of the change.

If you have any questions on this, please contact a member of the team.