Statutory guidance

Code of practice: industrial action ballots and notice to employers

Practical guidance to trade unions and employers to promote the improvement of industrial relations and good practice in the conduct of trade union industrial action ballots.

• From: Department for Business and Trade and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
• Published: 1 September 2005
• Last updated: 9 January 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Code of Practice: Industrial action ballots and notice to employers

PDF, 522 KB, 26 pages

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Details

This code of practice is in the process of being revised, but this version remains effective until 11.59pm on 17 February 2026. See the new draft revised code.

The code has been updated to reflect the legal provisions on industrial action ballots and information to employers made by the Trade Union Act 2016. It supersedes the Code of Practice on Industrial Action and Information to Employers issued in 2005.

Published 1 September 2005

Last updated 9 January 2026 + show all updates

1. 9 January 2026

   Added explanation that this code of practice is in the process of being revised, but this version remains effective until 11.59pm on 17 February 2026.

2. 24 February 2017

   Finalised version of updated code published

3. 8 December 2016

   Explanatory memorandum added

4. 1 September 2005

   First published.