February 18, 2026
April 6, 2026
August, 2026
October, 2026
Summary: The notice period required for industrial action is shortened from 14 days to ten days, and the information required on notices and ballot papers, as well as other reporting requirements, is simplified and reduced. The mandate period for industrial action, following a successful ballot, is increased from six to 12 months. A revised code of practice gives guidance.
Impact: Unions face fewer administrative hurdles when organising industrial action and benefit from a longer period before re-balloting is required.
What’s next: Already in force. Transitional provisions apply.
Doubling of maximum protective award for collective consultation breaches
Relaxed thresholds for statutory trade union recognition
Simplified balloting
Relaxed thresholds for industrial action
New trade union rights of access
New worker right to a statement of trade union rights
Better facilities for trade union representatives
New rights for equality representatives
Stronger protection against unfair practices
2027
Relaxed industrial action notice and mandate conditions
Extended unfair dismissal protection
New protection against detriment
New consultation trigger for collective redundancy
New protections against “fire and rehire” practices
Extended blacklisting protection
October, 2026
New rade union rights of access
New worker right to a statement of trade union rights
Better facilities for trade union representatives
New rights for equality representatives
Stronger protection against unfair practices