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UK Act of Parliament
1992
United Kingdom
Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
177 compliance obligations, 12 practical guides across 3 topics · 6 journeys
Penalty landscape
3 of 177 obligations carry imprisonment (6 months). 5 carry different penalties and 169 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Any Person 49
- Employer 47
- Trader 39
- Employee 2
Plus 40 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Transfer ownership of your business
- 2 steps
Understanding the Employment Rights Act 2025
- 1 step
Manage your employees
- 10 steps
- 2 requirements
Dismissing an employee under new rules
- 1 step
Sell your business
- 1 step
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Direct — cites this Act
6 guidesSupporting — topic alignment
3 guidesMentioned in related content
3 guidesOther Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Any Person also bound by 749 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 110 duties
- Licensing Act 2003 2003 105 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 97 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 86 duties
Employers also bound by 171 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 1998 204 duties
- The Income Tax (Pay As You Earn) Regulations 2003 2003 201 duties
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 1989 55 duties
- Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 2006 51 duties
- WTR 1998 1998 47 duties
Traders also bound by 219 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Value Added Tax Regulations 1995 1995 952 duties
- Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 2013 39 duties
- Companies Act 2006 2006 39 duties
- The Customs (Import Duty) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 2018 33 duties
- Consumer Credit Act 1974 1974 31 duties
Employees also bound by 53 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (current NI employment law) 1996 13 duties
- The Income Tax (Pay As You Earn) Regulations 2003 2003 10 duties
- Shared Parental Leave Regulations 2014 2014 10 duties
- Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002 2002 9 duties
- Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 2006 5 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part I — Trade Unions
Application for certificate of independence.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must process and record trade union independence applications Statutory regulator
Withdrawal or cancellation of certificate.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must follow procedure to withdraw independence certificates Statutory regulator
Property to be vested in trustees.
- Hold trade union property in a trust Trader
Transfer of securities held in trust for trade union.
- Register transfers of union securities upon trustee changes Any Person
- Update securities register when a trade‑union trustee is appointed or discharged Any Person
Remedy against trustees for unlawful use of union property.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Courts may remove trustees or recover trade union property Tribunal / Court
Duty to provide membership audit certificate
- Send membership audit certificate with annual return Any Person
- Submit a membership audit certificate to the Certification Officer Trader
Appointment and removal of an assurer
- Appoint and remove an assurer according to union rules Employer
- Include rules for appointing and removing a membership assurer Trader
Requirements of assurer's membership audit certificate
- Ensure trade union membership audit certificates meet statutory requirements Any Person
- Provide membership audit certificate meeting statutory requirements Any Person
Rights of assurer
- Provide your membership assurer with access to records and information Trader
Duty to inform the Certification Officer
- Assurers must notify the Certification Officer of failed membership audits Any Person
- Send audit certificate copy to the Certification Officer Any Person
Duty of confidentiality
- Keep union members' details confidential Any Person
- Membership assurers must keep union member details confidential Any Person
Remedy for failure: application to Certification Officer.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must determine trade union register complaints within 6 months Statutory regulator
Duty to supply copy of rules.
- Provide a copy of trade union rules upon request Trader
Duty to keep accounting records.
- Keep accurate trade union accounting records and financial controls Trader
- Maintain proper accounting records and cash controls Any Person
Right of access to accounting records.
- Provide members with access to union accounting records Employer
- Provide union members access to accounting records Any Person
Remedy for failure to comply with request for access.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must determine trade union record access claims Statutory regulator
Statement to members following annual return.
- Provide financial statement and audit report to trade union members Trader
- Provide members with financial statement after annual return Any Person
Details of industrial action etc to be included in annual return
- Include industrial action and ballot details in your annual return Any Person
- Include industrial action details in your annual union return Any Person
Duty to appoint auditors.
- Appoint auditors for each accounting period Any Person
- Appoint auditors for trade union annual returns Trader
Auditors’ report.
- Ensure trade union annual accounts are audited and reported on Trader
- Prepare and sign a trade‑union auditor’s report Any Person
Rights of auditors.
- Allow auditors access to union records and meetings Any Person
- Grant auditors access to records and meetings Trader
Inspectors’ reports etc.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must publish and distribute investigation reports Statutory regulator
Examination of proposals for new scheme.
- Get new trade union pension schemes actuarially examined and reported Trader
- Have new pension scheme examined and report sent to Certification Officer Employer
Periodical re-examination of existing schemes.
- Arrange periodic actuarial reports for member pension schemes Trader
- Arrange periodic actuarial review of union pension scheme Any Person
Remedies and enforcement.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must determine trade union failure claims within 6 months Statutory regulator
Candidates.
- Enable trade union members to stand for election Trader
Appointment of independent scrutineer.
- Appoint and notify independent scrutineer for union elections Any Person
- Appoint an independent scrutineer for trade union elections Trader
Entitlement to vote.
- Trade unions must allow all members to vote in elections Trader
Voting.
Fine up to £75,000- Conduct trade union ballots according to strict voting and secrecy rules Any Person
- Ensure employees can vote freely and without cost in trade union elections Employer
Counting of votes etc. by independent person.
- Appoint independent persons to handle trade union election ballots Trader
- Appoint independent persons to handle vote storage, distribution and counting Any Person
Scrutineer’s report.
- Distribute scrutineer’s report and notify members of election results Any Person
- Share the independent scrutineer’s election report with members Trader
Powers of Certification Officer.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must determine trade union compliance complaints Statutory regulator
Right to a ballot before industrial action.
- Ensure industrial action is backed by a valid secret ballot Any Person
Right not to be unjustifiably disciplined.
- Do not unjustifiably discipline trade union members Trader
Complaint of infringement of right.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal must declare if a trade union has unjustifiably disciplined a member Tribunal / Court
Right not to suffer deduction of unauthorised subscriptions
- Obtain written consent before deducting union fees from wages Employer
- Only deduct union subscriptions with valid written worker consent Employer
Complaint of infringement of rights.
- Do not make unlawful wage deductions and repay any unlawful amounts Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal must order repayment of unauthorised union deductions Tribunal / Court
Right to terminate membership of union.
- Allow trade union members to terminate their membership Trader
Section 70B: complaint to employment tribunal.
- Pay compensation if tribunal finds breach of training duties Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal may award compensation for training obligation failures Tribunal / Court
Restriction on use of funds for political objects.
- Restrict use of trade union funds for political purposes Trader
Application of funds in breach of section 71.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must determine trade union fund breach claims Statutory regulator
Approval of political ballot rules.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must approve union political ballot rules Statutory regulator
Appointment of independent scrutineer.
- Appoint an independent scrutineer for trade union ballots Trader
- Appoint an independent scrutineer for union ballots Employer
Entitlement to vote.
- Ensure all union members have an equal right to vote in political ballots Trader
Voting.
- Conduct union ballot voting according to statutory requirements Any Person
- Ensure trade union ballots are conducted by secret post with numbered papers Employee
Counting of votes etc. by independent person.
- Appoint an independent person to oversee trade union ballots Trader
- Appoint independent persons to handle ballot papers and count votes Any Person
Scrutineer’s report.
- Provide members with scrutineer’s report after a ballot Employer
- Send the independent scrutineer’s report to all union members Trader
Powers of Certification Officer.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must investigate and determine ballot rule breaches Statutory regulator
Application to court.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Courts may issue enforcement orders for trade union ballot failures Tribunal / Court
Rules as to political fund.
- Maintain and manage a separate union political fund Trader
Information to members about contributing to political fund
- Notify union members of their right to opt out of the political fund Trader
Manner of giving effect to section 84
- Manage member contributions to the political fund correctly Any Person
- Manage political fund contributions correctly Any Person
Employer not to deduct contributions where member gives certificate
- Stop deducting political fund contributions after employee’s certificate Employer
- Stop deducting political fund contributions when notified by an employee Employer
Complaint in respect of employer’s failure.
- Deduct union dues and follow tribunal orders Employer
- Ensure correct handling of trade union deductions upon employee request Employer
Discontinuance of contributions to political fund.
- Stop collecting trade union political fund contributions if resolution expires Any Person
- Stop taking political fund contributions once the union’s resolution ends Employer
Amalgamation or transfer of engagements.
- Comply with legal requirements when merging trade unions Trader
Notice to be given to members.
- Provide approved notice with voting papers for amalgamation ballot Any Person
- Provide members with an approved notice before an amalgamation or transfer Trader
Requirement of ballot on resolution.
- Hold a member ballot to approve a union merger or transfer Trader
Appointment of independent scrutineer.
- Appoint an independent scrutineer for union ballot Trader
- Appoint a qualified independent scrutineer for trade union ballots Trader
Entitlement to vote.
- Ensure all union members have an equal right to vote in ballots Trader
- Ensure all trade‑union members can vote equally in ballots Employer
Counting of votes etc. by independent person.
- Appoint an independent person to manage ballot voting and counting Trader
- Appoint independent people to handle union ballots Any Person
Listing and certification after amalgamation
- Register your union’s merger and update the official list Any Person
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must update the list and certificates after amalgamation Statutory regulator
Supply of information by amalgamated union
- Provide union rules, officer list and address to Certification Officer after amalgamation Any Person
- Submit union details and fees following an amalgamation Any Person
Powers of Certification Officer as regards passing of resolution.
Amended 12 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must investigate and rule on union merger complaints Statutory regulator
Appeal from decision of Certification Officer.
Amended 2 timesDeclarations and orders.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must determine trade union complaints within six months Statutory regulator
Application for assistance: its consideration.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must decide on assistance for union member legal claims Statutory regulator
Special register bodies.
Amended 5 timesFederated trade unions.
Amended 3 timesBrowse 100 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Meaning of “trade union".
The list of trade unions.
Application to have name entered in the list.
Removal of name from the list.
Meaning of “independent trade union".
Conclusive effect of Certification Officer’s decision.
Appeal against decision of Certification Officer.
Quasi-corporate status of trade unions.
Exclusion of common law rules as to restraint of trade.
Vesting of property in new trustees.
Prohibition on use of funds to indemnify unlawful conduct.
Nominations by members of trade unions.
Payments out of union funds on death of member.
Application of certain provisions relating to industrial assurance or friendly societies.
Liability of trade union in certain proceedings in tort.
Repudiation by union of certain acts.
Limit on damages awarded against trade unions in actions in tort.
Restriction on enforcement of awards against certain property.
Duty to maintain register of members’ names and addresses.
Securing confidentiality of register during ballots.
Enforcement of sections 24 to 24ZC by Certification Officer
Enforcement of sections 24ZH and 24ZI by Certification Officer
Duty to appoint an assurer
Power of Certification Officer to require production of documents etc
Investigations by inspectors
Inspectors' reports etc
Sections 24ZH and 24ZI: supplementary
Remedy for failure: application to court.
Duty to keep records available for inspection.
Annual return.
Details of political expenditure to be included in annual return
Enforcement of sections 32ZA and 32ZB by Certification Officer
Eligibility for appointment as auditor.
Appointment and removal of auditors.
Power of Certification Officer to require production of documents etc.
Investigations by inspectors.
Expenses of investigations.
Sections 37A and 37B: supplementary.
Members’ superannuation schemes: separate fund to be maintained.
Powers of the Certification Officer.
Meaning of “appropriately qualified actuary".
Newly-formed trade unions.
Discharge of duties in case of union having branches or sections.
Offences.
Penalties and prosecution time limits.
Duty to secure positions not held by certain offenders.
Appeals from Certification Officer.
Duty to hold elections for certain positions.
Election addresses.
Uncontested elections.
Remedy for failure to comply with requirements: general.
Application to court.
Appeals from Certification Officer.
Exemption of newly-formed trade unions, &c.
Exemption of certain persons nearing retirement.
Period for giving effect to election.
Overseas members.
Other supplementary provisions.
Right not to be denied access to the courts.
Meaning of “unjustifiably disciplined".
Further remedies for infringement of right.
Membership of constituent or affiliated organisation.
Recognition of trade unions.
Training.
Political objects to which restriction applies.
Passing and effect of political resolution.
Remedy for failure to comply with ballot rules: general.
Assets and liabilities of political fund.
Contributions to political fund from members of the union
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Administration of political fund where no resolution in force.
Rules to cease to have effect.
Manner of making union rules.
Effect of amalgamation.
Overseas members of trade union.
Appeals from Certification Officer.
Meaning of “date of the ballot".
Approval of instrument of amalgamation or transfer.
Voting.
Scrutineer’s report.
Registration of instrument of amalgamation or transfer.
Power to alter rules of transferee union for purposes of transfer.
Transfer of property on amalgamation or transfer.
Amalgamation or transfer involving Northern Ireland union.
Change of name of trade union.
General power to make regulations.
Right to apply to Certification Officer.
Appeals from Certification Officer.
Proceedings in relation to which assistance may be provided.
Provision of assistance.
Title of proceedings where assistance provided.
Recovery of sums paid in case of fraud.
Supplementary provisions.
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Provision of money for union modernisation
Restriction on deduction of union subscriptions from wages in public sector
Expressions relating to trade unions.
Northern Ireland unions.
Meaning of “the court".
Part II — Employers’ Associations
Appeal against decision of Certification Officer.
Amended 3 timesCorporate or quasi-corporate status of employers’ associations.
Amended 1 timeProperty of unincorporated employers’ associations, &c.
Amended 1 timeAdministrative provisions applying to employers’ associations.
Amended 6 timesApplication of funds for political objects.
Amended 1 timeAmalgamations and transfers of engagements.
Amended 4 timesFederated employers’ associations.
Amended 3 timesBrowse 8 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Meaning of “employers’ association".
The list of employers’ associations.
Application to have name entered in the list.
Removal of name from the list.
Exclusion of common law rules as to restraint of trade.
Restriction on enforcement of awards against certain property.
Change of name of employers’ association.
Meaning of “officer" of employers’ association.
Part III — Rights in relation to union membership and activities
Refusal of service of employment agency on grounds related to union membership.
Amended 1 timeTime limit for proceedings.
Amended 2 timesRemedies.
Amended 1 time- Pay compensation and implement tribunal‑recommended actions Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal must determine remedies for trade union-related discrimination Tribunal / Court
Refusal to deal on union membership grounds prohibited.
6 months imprisonment- Do not discriminate against suppliers on union membership Any Person
- Do not refuse to deal with suppliers based on union membership Any Person
Inducements relating to collective bargaining
- Do not make offers that undermine collective bargaining Employer
- Do not offer inducements to bypass collective bargaining Employer
Remedies
- Pay award and refrain from enforcing unlawful changes Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal must award compensation for unlawful trade union inducements Tribunal / Court
Detriment on grounds related to union membership or activities.
Amended 21 timesTime limit for proceedings.
Amended 6 timesConsideration of complaint.
Amended 2 timesRemedies.
Amended 1 time- Pay compensation ordered by an employment tribunal Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal must award compensation for substantiated trade union detriments Tribunal / Court
Awards against third parties.
Amended 2 timesInterpretation and other supplementary provisions.
Amended 4 timesDismissal of employee on grounds related to union membership or activities.
Amended 12 times- Do not dismiss employees for union‑related reasons Employer
- Do not dismiss employees for trade union membership or activities Employer
Selection for redundancy on grounds related to union membership or activities.
Amended 1 time- Avoid selecting employees for redundancy because of union activity Employer
- Do not select employees for redundancy based on union membership or activities Employer
Disapplication of qualifying period and upper age limit for unfair dismissal
Amended 2 timesMatters to be disregarded in assessing contributory fault.
Amended 5 timesMinimum basic award.
Amended 30 times.
Amended 3 times.
Amended 8 timesPower to increase sums by order.
Amended 1 timeApplication for interim relief.
Amended 1 timeApplication to be promptly determined.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal must promptly determine interim relief and notify the employer Tribunal / Court
Procedure on hearing of application and making of order.
- Respond to tribunal and consider reinstating or re‑engaging dismissed employee Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal must offer reinstatement or re-engagement in unfair dismissal claims Tribunal / Court
Consequences of failure to comply with order.
- Comply with tribunal reinstatement or contract‑continuation orders Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal must order compensation or contract continuation for non-compliance Tribunal / Court
Interpretation and other supplementary provisions.
Amended 2 timesTime off for carrying out trade union duties.
Amended 11 times- Allow union officials paid time off for duties and training Employer
- Permit recognised union officials time off for duties and training Employer
Time off for union learning representatives
Amended 11 timesPayment for time off under section 168.
Amended 5 times- Pay employees for time off taken for trade union duties Employer
- Pay employees for trade union time off Employer
Time off for trade union activities.
Amended 8 timesTime limit for proceedings.
Amended 5 timesRemedies.
Amended 3 times- Pay employee compensation when tribunal finds a breach Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunals must award remedies for trade union time off breaches Tribunal / Court
Publication requirements in relation to facility time
Amended 3 timesReserve powers in relation to facility time
Amended 3 timesIntepretation and other supplementary provisions.
Amended 7 timesRight not to be excluded or expelled from union.
Amended 2 timesTime limit for proceedings.
Amended 2 timesRemedies.
Amended 40 timesBrowse 13 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Refusal of employment on grounds related to union membership.
Complaint against employer and employment agency.
Awards against third parties.
Interpretation and other supplementary provisions.
Union membership requirement in contract for goods or services void.
Inducements relating to union membership or activities
Time limit for proceedings
Consideration of complaint
Interpretation and other supplementary provisions
Awards against third parties.
Order for continuation of contract of employment.
Application for variation or revocation of order.
Interpretation and other supplementary provisions.
Part IV — Industrial Relations
General duty of employers to disclose information.
Amended 1 time- Disclose information to recognised trade unions for collective bargaining Employer
- Provide information to recognised trade union on request Employer
Restrictions on general duty.
- Check exemptions before disclosing information under section 181 Employer
- Exception to trade union information disclosure requirements Employer
Complaint of failure to disclose information.
- Disclose required information to trade unions and obey CAC/ACAS orders Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CAC must determine complaints regarding failure to disclose information Statutory regulator
Further complaint of failure to comply with declaration.
- Provide required information to trade union as set out in declaration Employer
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CAC must determine complaints of failure to disclose information Tribunal / Court
Refusal to deal on grounds of union exclusion prohibited.
- Do not refuse suppliers because they don’t recognise trade unions Any Person
- Do not refuse to deal with suppliers based on trade union recognition Any Person
Duty of employer to consult . . . representatives.
Amended 19 timess.188A
Amended 19 times- Follow specific rules when electing employee representatives Employer
- Organise fair elections of employee representatives Employer
Complaint . . . and protective award.
Amended 10 times- Consult employee representatives before making redundancies and keep proof Employer
- Pay remuneration for failure to consult on redundancies Employer
Entitlement under protective award.
Amended 2 timesComplaint by employee to employment tribunal.
Amended 3 timesDuty of employer to notify Secretary of State of certain redundancies.
Amended 16 timesDuty of employer to notify Secretary of State of certain redundancies.
Amended 16 timesOffence of failure to notify.
Unlimited fine Amended 1 time- Fail to notify redundancies to Secretary of State Employer
Construction of references to representatives.
Amended 2 timesPower to vary provisions.
Amended 3 timesSection 198A: supplementary
- Comply with modified redundancy consultation rules for TUPE transfers Employer
- Provide pre‑transfer consultation and union access Employer
Issue of Codes of Practice by ACAS.
Amended 3 timesProcedure for issue of Code by ACAS.
Amended 5 timesIssue of Codes of Practice by the Secretary of State.
Amended 2 timesGeneral duty to promote improvement of industrial relations.
Amended 1 timeOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- ACAS must promote the improvement of industrial relations Statutory regulator
Conciliation.
Amended 2 timesInformation required by ACAS for purposes of settling recognition disputes
Amended 2 timesConciliation officers.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- ACAS must designate conciliation officers for employment disputes Statutory regulator
Arbitration.
Amended 3 timesArbitration scheme for unfair dismissal cases etc.
Amended 3 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- ACAS may offer arbitration for employment disputes Statutory regulator
Dismissal procedures agreements.
Amended 3 timesConstitution and proceedings of court of inquiry.
Amended 2 times- Comply with a court of inquiry summons Any Person
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Court of Inquiry may require evidence and documents from you Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 22 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Collective agreements and collective bargaining.
Whether agreement intended to be a legally enforceable contract.
Effect of provisions restricting right to take industrial action.
Determination of claim and award.
Recognition requirement in contract for goods or services void.
Termination of employment during protected period.
Construction of references to dismissal as redundant etc.
Power to adapt provisions in case of collective agreement.
Employees being transferred to the employer from another undertaking
Consequential revision of Code issued by ACAS.
Revocation of Code issued by ACAS.
Procedure for issue of Code by Secretary of State.
Consequential revision of Code issued by Secretary of State.
Revocation of Code issued by Secretary of State.
Effect of failure to comply with Code.
Effect of failure to comply with Code: adjustment of awards
Provisions of earlier Code superseded by later.
Advice.
Inquiry.
Inquiry and report by court of inquiry.
Exclusion of power of arbiter to state case to Court of Session.
Meaning of “trade dispute" in Part IV.
Part V — Industrial action
Protection from certain tort liabilities.
Amended 7 timesUnion supervision of picketing
- Appoint and identify a picket supervisor during industrial action Any Person
- Supervise union picketing as required by law Any Person
Requirement of ballot before action by trade union.
Amended 11 timesNotice of ballot and sample voting paper for employers.
Amended 11 timesAppointment of scrutineer.
Amended 11 times- Appoint an independent scrutineer for industrial action ballots Trader
- Appoint a qualified scrutineer for ballot and cooperate with them Any Person
Exclusion for small ballots.
Amended 11 timesEntitlement to vote in ballot.
6 months imprisonment Amended 2 times- Ensure only eligible members vote in industrial action ballots Trader
- Grant voting rights to eligible union members in ballot Any Person
Separate workplace ballots.
Amended 1 timeSeparate workplaces: single and aggregate ballots.
Amended 1 timeVoting paper.
Amended 3 times- Provide compliant voting papers for industrial‑action ballots Employer
- Ensure trade union voting papers meet strict legal requirements Trader
Conduct of ballot.
Amended 1 time- Conduct union ballot fairly and without cost to voters Any Person
- Ensure trade union industrial action ballots are conducted fairly and secretly Trader
Information as to result of ballot.
Amended 7 times- Trade unions must inform voters of ballot results Trader
- Inform all voting members of ballot results Any Person
Employers to be informed of ballot result.
Amended 7 times- Trade unions must inform employers of industrial action ballot results Trader
Scrutineer’s report.
Amended 7 timesCalling of industrial action with support of ballot.
Amended 2 timesPeriod after which ballot ceases to be effective.
Amended 6 timesNotice to employers of industrial action.
Amended 6 timesPower of Secretary of State to specify minimum service levels
Amended 6 timesWork notices relating to minimum service levels
Amended 6 timesWork notices: disclosure of information
Amended 6 timesWork notices: no protection if union fails to take reasonable steps
Amended 6 timesRegulations: consultation and supplementary
Amended 6 timesInterpretation of terms relating to minimum service levels
Amended 6 timesConstruction of references to contract of employment.
Amended 2 timesIndustrial action affecting supply of goods or services to an individual.
Amended 2 times- Do not unlawfully induce industrial action that disrupts supply to individuals Any Person
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Courts may order a stop to unlawful inductions of industrial action Tribunal / Court
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Amended 2 times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Amended 2 timesDismissal of those taking part in unofficial industrial action.
Amended 14 timesDismissals in connection with other industrial action.
Amended 13 timesParticipation in official industrial action.
Amended 13 times- Take reasonable steps to resolve protected industrial action disputes Employer
- Do not dismiss employees for taking protected industrial action Employee
Conciliation and mediation: supplementary provisions
Amended 13 timesSupplementary provisions relating to unfair dismissal.
Amended 4 timesBreach of contract involving injury to persons or property.
3 months imprisonment Amended 1 time- Willfully breach contract that endangers life or property Any Person
Intimidation or annoyance by violence or otherwise.
6 months imprisonment Amended 2 times- Intimidate or annoy someone to force them to act against their legal rights Any Person
Restriction of offence of conspiracy: Scotland.
3 months imprisonment Amended 1 time- Conspire to act in a trade dispute (Scotland) Any Person
Minor definitions.
Amended 4 timesBrowse 13 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Peaceful picketing.
Restrictions on grant of injunctions and interdicts.
Action to enforce trade union membership.
Action taken because of dismissal for taking unofficial action.
Secondary action.
Pressure to impose union recognition requirement.
Balloting of overseas members.
Inducement of member denied entitlement to vote.
Small accidental failures to be disregarded.
No compulsion to work.
Restriction of offence of conspiracy: England and Wales.
Meaning of “trade dispute" in Part V.
Crown employees and contracts.
Part VI — Administrative provisions
ACAS.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- ACAS must maintain offices in major employment centres across Great Britain Statutory regulator
Terms of appointment of members of Council.
Amended 1 timeRemuneration, &c. of members of Council.
Amended 1 timeProhibition on disclosure of information
Unlimited fine- Unauthorised disclosure of ACAS information Any Person
General financial provisions.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Government and ACAS must fund conciliation and arbitration services Crown / Minister / Government department
Annual report and accounts.
Amended 1 timeThe Certification Officer.
Amended 3 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must appoint a Certification Officer Crown / Minister / Government department
Procedure before the Certification Officer.
Amended 6 timesVexatious litigants.
Amended 6 timesVexatious litigants: applications disregarded.
Amended 6 timesInvestigatory powers
Amended 6 timesPower to impose financial penalties
Amended 6 timesStriking out
Amended 6 timesCustody of documents submitted under earlier legislation.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must maintain and provide access to historical union records Statutory regulator
Annual report and accounts.
Amended 3 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Certification Officer must report annually on trade union levies Statutory regulator
The Central Arbitration Committee.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- ACAS must provide staff and facilities to the Central Arbitration Committee Statutory regulator
The members of the Committee.
Amended 1 timeTerms of appointment of members of Committee.
Amended 1 timeProceedings of the Committee.
Amended 7 timesProceedings of the Committee under Schedule A1.
Amended 7 timesAwards of the Committee.
Amended 3 timesAnnual report and accounts.
Amended 1 timeOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- ACAS and CAC must report annually on arbitration activities Statutory regulator
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Amended 1 time.
Amended 1 time.
Amended 1 timeBrowse 10 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
The Council of ACAS.
Secretary, officers and staff of ACAS.
Fees for exercise of functions by ACAS.
Remuneration, &c. of Certification Officer and assistants.
Levy payable to Certification Officer
Remuneration, &c. of members of Committee.
.
.
.
Meaning of financial year.
Part VII — Miscellaneous and general
Crown employment.
Amended 1 timeArmed forces.
Amended 1 timeHouse of Lords staff.
Amended 1 timeHouse of Commons staff.
Amended 1 timeHealth service practitioners.
Amended 34 timesPolice service.
Amended 4 times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Amended 2 timesFixed term employment
Amended 2 timesShare fishermen.
Amended 5 timesEmployment outside Great Britain.
Amended 13 timesPower to make further provision as to excluded classes of employment.
Amended 2 timesOffshore employment.
Amended 3 timesRestriction on contracting out.
Amended 16 times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Amended 1 times.291
Amended 2 timesDeath of employee or employer.
Amended 4 timesExtension of time limits to facilitate conciliation before institution of proceedings
Amended 4 timesMeaning of worker and related expressions.
Amended 5 timesMinor definitions: general.
Amended 5 timesIndex of defined expressions.
Amended 22 timesExtent.
Amended 2 timesBrowse 13 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Exemption on grounds of national security.
Further provision as to Crown application.
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Employment governed by foreign law.
Regulations.
Reciprocal arrangements with Northern Ireland.
Meaning of employee and related expressions.
Associated employers.
Meaning of “voting”
Devolved Welsh authorities
Repeals, consequential amendments, transitional provisions and savings.
Commencement.
Short title.
Schedules
Browse 3 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Other sections — not classified into a Part
These sections exist in the Act but the contents-of-Parts walker did not place them under a Part. Likely amendments or sections inserted out of the original Part structure.
Browse 5 other unclassified sections
Certification Officer: investigatory powers
Certification Officer: power to impose financial penalties
Collective Bargaining: Recognition
TABLE OF DERIVATIONS
Tribunal jurisdictions to which section 207A applies
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- The Electoral Commission (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- OSCR charity compliance checklist (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Register a charity with the Charity Commission (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Registration rules for trade unions, political parties and charities (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Run a compliant membership organisation (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Which membership organisation rules apply to your organisation (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Charity Commission for England and Wales (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- ACAS guidance on redundancy consultation (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Trade union recognition for employers (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- ACAS guidance on Employment Rights Act 2025 (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- ... and 3 more
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Certification Officer for Trade Unions and Employers' Associations
Statutory regulator of trade unions and employers' associations in Great Britain. Maintains the list of trade unions, enforces the rules governing union …
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Regulators
Learn more about the bodies that enforce this legislation.