Telling workers about the right to join a trade union, expected January 2027
Last checked 17 Oct 2026. Dates can change. Great Britain only.
GOV.UK's timeline lists a duty to inform workers of their right to join a trade union for January 2027.
Why the date is confusing
Some earlier law firm articles say this duty starts on 30 October 2026. The commencement regulations for 30 October (SI 2026/1065, regulation 3) list sections 20, 21, 22, 56, 59, 60, 64 and 65. We could not find this duty among them. The government's response to its consultation, published in September 2026, says the duty is intended to come into force between December 2026 and January 2027, and GOV.UK lists January 2027.
What the government response says so far
- Employers would use a standard government statement. They may add workplace information but not otherwise change it.
- New workers would get it at the same time as their written statement of employment particulars.
- For existing workers, employers could give it directly, or keep it reasonably accessible. If given directly, it would be annually by 5 April.
This is the government's stated intention, not yet law. We have not found commencement regulations or the final statement.
What we have not found yet
- The exact start day.
- The final wording of the statement.
A checklist to help you prepare
- Check where you give new starters information today, such as the contract, the written statement and the handbook.
- Decide who in your business will own the wording once it is published.
- Do not write your own wording yet. Wait for the official format or guidance.
- Diary a check of GOV.UK for the commencement date.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
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Sources
- GOV.UK: Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act, timeline update
- GOV.UK: Government response to the consultation on the duty to inform workers of their right to join a trade union (executive summary)
- SI 2026/1065: Employment Rights Act 2025 (Commencement No. 6) Regulations 2026, regulation 3
Last checked 17 Oct 2026. GOV.UK says all future dates remain subject to parliamentary processes and may change. General information only, not legal advice. Check GOV.UK before you act.
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