UK employers face new trade union workplace access requests
Business · First reported 30 Oct, 11:18 · Updated 15:34
From 30 October 2026, unions can request workplace access from employers with at least 21 workers. Employers have 15 working days to respond, and the guidance stresses having a process to identify and handle requests promptly.
- Trade unions can request access to workplaces from 30 October 2026; the detailed guidance says the right applies to employers with 21 or more workers.
- Employers have 15 working days from receiving a request to respond in writing. If they do not accept it in full, they have a further 25 working days to negotiate practical terms.
- The guidance recommends making sure requests reach an authorised decision-maker and says penalties for breaching agreed terms start at £75,000.
Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles
Key facts
- Access rights begin
- 30 October 2026
- Employer threshold
- 21 or more workers
- Initial response deadline
- 15 working days from receipt
- Further negotiation period
- 25 working days if the request is not accepted in full
- Penalties for breaches
- £75,000 for a first breach, £150,000 for a second, and £500,000 for repeated failures
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