Right to be informed about joining a trade union

The Employment Rights Act 2025 expands the list of required particulars that employers must give to their employees to include an express statement that they have a right to join a trade union. The government proposes that the statement to workers should include:

    • An overview of trade union functions;
    • A summary of statutory rights relating to union membership;
    • A list of recognised trade unions (if any); and
    • A signpost to a GOV.UK page listing trade unions.

For new workers, an obligation on an employer to provide direct delivery (e.g. an email or letter) of the right to join a trade union alongside the statement of employment particulars is the government's preferred option. For existing workers, employers may deliver the statement either directly or indirectly (e.g. via intranet or noticeboard). It has yet to be determined whether an employer that elects to deliver the statement indirectly will also be required to provide reminders. The Government is not in favour of imposing a reminder obligation on employers.

It is anticipated that this measure will take effect in January 2027. 

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Visit our main Employment Rights Act Hub for further information.Â