The UK’s employment rights bill will usher in major changes for workers from April 2026. But beyond promising improved rights for employees over unfair dismissal and sick pay, one of the most controversial aspects of the bill concerns the rights of trade unions.
Millions of UK workers belong to a trade union. They are found in virtually every key industry in the UK, including healthcare, education and transport. This new legislation promises to strengthen their rights – notably by forcing employers to make their staff aware that they have the right to join one.
Under the new law, employers will have to share a government-approved message with workers setting out their right to join a union and details of the unions the employer recognises. The government hopes that this will put pressure on exploitative employers to treat staff better and not to discourage union membership.
