‘Major Opportunity’ for UK Unions to Recruit Workers As New Rules Take Force

Trade unions could see a boost in membership due to new workplace rights that come into force today.

As of 30 October, union representatives have the right to request in-person or digital access to workplaces where at least 21 people are employed – even if the union isn’t recognised by the employer or it has no members there.

This will make it easier for organisers to reach workers shut out of collective representation in order to speak to them about demanding better pay and conditions.

Until today, bosses could keep unions out of many workplaces by simply refusing access. Now, if talks to negotiate an access agreement fail, the Central Arbitration Committee – an independent government body – can force employers to agree, with penalties for breaches reaching £500,000. 

Andrea Egan, general secretary of Unison – Britain’s largest trade union – said the new laws presented “a major organising opportunity”.

“For decades, employers have used every trick in the book to prevent unions getting into workplaces,” she wrote in a blog post earlier this month. “They know organised workplaces shift the power dynamic so that workers have a real voice through recognition and collective bargaining and they don’t want that to spread. 

“The new access rights provide a significant reset of industrial relations.”

After peaking at 13.2 million in 1979, union membership in the UK plummeted as a result of deindustrialisation and anti-union legislation introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government.

The new rules, which form part of Labour’s Employment Rights Act 2025, could be particularly helpful for unions wanting to reach workers in the private sector, where just 12% of employees are unionised.

Other reforms taking effect today strengthen protections for workers taking part in industrial action. 

A separate requirement for bosses to inform staff of their right to join a union is due to come into force on 1 January 2027.