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Union demands right to sign up workers – just three minutes after Rayner’s law came in
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.
In short
- 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.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Unions can argue that access to workers is needed to explain employees’ rights, recruit members and represent people who might otherwise lack a collective voice. Clear legal access rules and protections against monitoring may help workers organise without fear of employer pressure.
The case against
Employers can argue that mandated weekly access and rapid distribution of union communications impose administrative burdens and intrude on how workplaces are run. Given the Government’s estimate of substantial business costs, they may also question whether the rules are proportionate and whether access arrangements should be negotiated locally.
Explained simply
The Employment Rights Act is a package of changes to workplace rules introduced by the Labour Government. One part gives trade unions, which represent workers in dealings with employers, new ways to contact and organise staff.
The access rules apply to companies with at least 21 workers. Unions can request regular time in the workplace to meet staff, and employers must pass on union communications within two working days; they must not track workers’ involvement with union activity.
The changes matter because employers who fail to follow the rules could face fines. The Government has said the wider reforms could cost businesses up to £5 billion a year.