Research and analysis

Duty to inform workers of right to join a union: Options assessment - RPC opinion (green-rated)

The RPC's opinion of the Department for Business and Trade's options assessment for implementation of a new duty for employers in the Employment Rights Bill.

• From: Regulatory Policy Committee
• Published: 4 December 2025

Documents

RPC opinion: Options assessment of duty to inform workers of right to join a union

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RPC opinion: Options assessment of duty to inform workers of right to join a union

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Details

As part of a broad set of reforms, the Employment Rights Bill proposes a new duty on employers to give a written statement to their workers informing them of their right to join a trade union at the start of their employment and at other times.

On 21 November 2025, the government published an options assessment to support the consultation on how this new duty could be implemented effectively, while minimising the burden on employers.

The Regulatory Policy Committee has rated the options assessment as ‘fit for purpose’. This is based on its scrutiny of the evidence and analysis supporting the case for why regulation is considered to be necessary.

Published 4 December 2025