Duty to inform workers of their right to join a trade union

From 1 January 2027, employers will be required to give workers (including employees) a written statement advising that they have a right to join a trade union and providing other required information. It will be in the form of a standardised statement.

Employers must give it directly to new workers at the same time as providing a section 1 statement.

If you're an existing worker, it must be given to you directly or made available for you to access.

If your employer gives it to you directly, they must do so annually by 5 April.

If they make it available for you to access, they must ensure it is accessible at all times and send an annual reminder telling you where to find it.

Failing to provide the statement will incur the same penalties as failing to provide a section 1 statement (2-4 weeks' pay, subject to the weekly pay cap).

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