# Union demands right to sign up workers – just three minutes after Rayner’s law came in

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/union-demands-right-to-sign-up-workers-just-three-minutes-after-rayners-law-came-in/
- Published: 2026-11-08T23:12:16+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T23:20:23+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16276757/Union-demands-right-sign-workers-just-three-minutes-Rayners-law-came-in.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Business, Companies, World

## Key points

- GMB contacted chief executives at 12.03am as new union access rules began.
- Unions can seek weekly access at companies with at least 21 workers.
- Employers could face fines of up to £500,000 for non-compliance.

## Summary

The GMB union contacted thousands of chief executives three minutes after new employment rules took effect, demanding access to workers to meet, recruit and organise them. The changes give union officials new rights in workplaces and are significant because employers who do not comply could face fines.

The rules, which came fully into force on 30 October, apply to companies with at least 21 workers and allow unions to request weekly access. Employers must also distribute union communications within two working days and may not monitor staff attendance or engagement with union meetings and messages. The reforms are part of Labour’s Employment Rights Act, which the Government has said could cost businesses up to £5 billion a year.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.