Duty To Inform Workers Of Their Right To Join A Trade Union
From 30 October 2026, employers in Great Britain will have a new duty to provide workers with a written statement informing them of their right to join a trade union.
What is changing?
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces a requirement for employers to give workers written information about their right to join a trade union.
The statement must be provided when the worker receives their written statement of employment particulars at the start of employment.
It will also need to be provided at other prescribed times.
Does this only apply to unionised workplaces?
No.
Employers should not assume the requirement only applies where a trade union is already recognised within the organisation.
The legislation introduces a duty on employers to inform workers of their right to join a trade union.
What must the statement say?
The final detailed requirements are still being developed.
Secondary legislation is expected to specify:
• what information must be included
• the form of the statement
• how it must be provided
• when it must be provided again
• which workers are covered
Further Government guidance is expected in September 2026.
Employers should therefore wait for the detailed requirements before relying on their own wording as the final compliant statement.
What should employers do now?
Employers can begin by reviewing how they currently:
• issue written employment particulars
• record documents provided to workers
• update onboarding documentation
• allocate responsibility for employment-law changes
• monitor ongoing HR compliance
Once the detailed requirements are published, the new statement should be incorporated into the appropriate employment and onboarding processes.
How Leo HR can support employers
Leo HR brings employee records, employment documentation, compliance requirements, reminders and wider HR processes together within one platform.
As further details of the new duty are published, employers should review their processes and ensure the appropriate information is provided at the required times.
Effective date: 30 October 2026
Further Government guidance expected: September 2026