Government confirms revised timetable for trade union rights statements

In addition to a delayed implementation date, the Government has provided its response to the public consultation on this change and has confirmed the following details:

• Employers will need to provide a standardised statement to workers informing them of their right to join a trade union.
• The written statement will include a brief overview of the trade union functions, information on any recognised trade unions and/or statutory access agreements (where applicable), information on the Certification Officer’s list of trade unions and a summary of the statutory union membership rights (‘the Statement’).

For new workers, from 1 January 2027, the Statement must be provided directly (i.e. email, post or in person) at the same time as the written statement of employment particulars.

For existing workers, the Statement must be provided either directly or indirectly (i.e. intranet, staff handbook, noticeboard) by 5 April 2027.

Where the Statement is provided to workers directly, employers must provide the Statement directly to workers annually by 5 April in each following year.

Where the Statement is provided to workers indirectly, employers must:

• ensure that workers are informed of the Statement’s location and that it remains continuously available and reasonably accessible; and
• provide an annual reminder by 5 April in each following year informing workers that the Statement is available and where to find it

Detailed guidance is expected in November 2026.

If you would like to know more about trade unions’ right of access to workplaces, please click here.

How Greenwoods can help
At Greenwoods, our Employment team is well placed to support employers through these significant changes. With recent hires and continued growth in the team, we are helping clients prepare for the Employment Rights Act 2025 reforms and their practical impact. Whether you need support with the changes to trade union rights or wider workforce planning, we can assist you in finding a commercially sensible way forward.