Research and analysis

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

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

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

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

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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 (RPC) gave a ‘green’ rating to the options assessment on 12 November 2025. This means that we considered it to be fit for purpose based on our scrutiny of the evidence and analysis supporting the case for why regulation is necessary. 

The RPC’s opinion refers to the evidence and analysis presented in the options assessment, not the policy itself.

Published 4 December 2025