Trade Union Reforms Resource Pack

The Employment Rights Act represents one of the most significant reforms to UK employment law in a generation. With legislative changes already underway and further reforms expected throughout 2026 and beyond, employers should begin preparing now, particularly in relation to evolving trade union rights and employer obligations.

To help organisations navigate the changes confidently, our Employment team has created a comprehensive Trade Union Reforms Resource Pack. Bringing together practical guidance and expert insight, this pack is designed to help employers understand what is changing, assess potential risks, and prepare for increased union engagement across the workplace.

Whether your organisation is already unionised or has had limited union interaction historically, these reforms are expected to lower the barriers to union recognition and increase trade union activity across a wide range of sectors.

What’s included in the pack?

This resource pack includes two detailed guides designed to provide both strategic insight and practical support.

Trade Union Reforms Factsheet

A concise overview of the key legislative reforms, including:

• Easier pathways for unions to achieve recognition through reduced thresholds and simplified ballot requirements.
• New legal rights allowing unions to access physical and digital workplaces to meet and organise workers.
• Updated employer obligations, including requirements to inform employees of their right to join a trade union.
• Practical steps employers can take now to prepare for increased union engagement and workforce discussions.

The factsheet explains how the reforms may affect both unionised and non-unionised organisations and outlines the practical considerations employers should be reviewing now.

Trade Union Reforms FAQs

A practical Q&A guide addressing common employer concerns, including:

• Whether unions can access workplaces without formal recognition.
• How the removal of existing voting thresholds could impact businesses.
• What smaller organisations should be doing to prepare.
• Whether employers may be required to recognise unions or collectively bargain.
• Data protection considerations relating to digital workplace access and employee communications.

The FAQs provide clear, practical guidance to help employers understand their obligations and respond appropriately as the reforms develop.

Why download the pack?

• Stay informed about significant changes to trade union law under the Employment Rights Act.
• Understand how the reforms may affect your organisation, whether unionised or not.
• Prepare proactively for increased trade union engagement and changing compliance requirements.
• Access practical expert guidance in one easy-to-use resource pack.
• Support HR, leadership, and compliance teams with clear next steps and planning considerations.

These reforms are expected to increase trade union activity across many sectors, making early preparation increasingly important for employers of all sizes.

Who is this resource for?

This resource pack is designed for:

• HR professionals and people managers
• Business owners and leadership teams
• Legal and compliance professionals
• Organisations preparing for workforce and employee relations changes

Whether you are reviewing policies, updating internal procedures, preparing managers, or assessing future workforce engagement strategies, this pack provides a practical foundation to help your organisation prepare with confidence.

Download the resource pack

Get instant access to our Trade Union Reforms Resource Pack and take the first step towards preparing your organisation for the future of employment law.

How we can help

Our Employment Law team advises employers across the UK on employee relations, workforce strategy, union engagement, workplace policies, and compliance planning.

We are already supporting organisations in preparing for the proposed Employment Rights Act reforms, helping businesses assess risk areas, review internal processes, and respond proactively to legislative change.

If you would like advice on how the proposed trade union reforms could affect your organisation, our team is here to help.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this resource pack is provided for general guidance and informational purposes only. It reflects our understanding of the Employment Rights Act and related reforms as at the time of publication, which are subject to change. This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining tailored advice specific to your organisation’s circumstances. Professional legal advice should always be sought before taking, or refraining from taking, any action based on this information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility is accepted for any loss arising from reliance on this material.