GB Trade Unions Must Comply with New Electronic Balloting Rules from August 2026

• The Code of Practice on Electronic and Workplace Balloting for Statutory Trade Union Ballots comes into effect from August 25th, 2026.
• New rules for electronic and workplace balloting aim to streamline the process and increase accessibility for union members.
• Lawyers advising clients on union ballot procedures should note that these changes may require adjustments to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

The new rules are designed to streamline the balloting process, making it more efficient and accessible for union members.

The UK's trade union landscape is set to undergo significant changes with the introduction of new rules for electronic and workplace balloting. The Code of Practice on Electronic and Workplace Balloting for Statutory Trade Union Ballots, issued by the Secretary of State under sections 203(1) and 204(2) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, is now set to take effect from August 25th, 2026. This development has significant implications for trade unions and their members, as it aims to support the implementation of recent amendments to employment law.

The new rules are designed to streamline the balloting process, making it more efficient and accessible for union members. However, lawyers advising clients on union ballot procedures should take note that these changes may require adjustments to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

The Trade Unions (Permissible Means of Voting) and Employment Rights (Unfair Dismissal) (Amendment) Order 2026 has paved the way for the introduction of electronic and workplace balloting. This amendment, which forms part of a broader package of reforms aimed at modernizing employment law, has been accompanied by the Code of Practice on Electronic and Workplace Balloting for Statutory Trade Union Ballots. The Code is intended to provide guidance on best practices for implementing these new methods of balloting.

The regulatory framework governing trade union ballots in the UK is complex and multifaceted. The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, under which the Code of Practice was issued, sets out the statutory requirements for trade union ballots. The new rules introduced by this Order will need to be carefully considered in light of these existing regulations.

The introduction of electronic and workplace balloting has significant implications for trade unions and their members. By making the balloting process more efficient and accessible, unions can better engage with their members and increase participation rates. However, lawyers advising clients on union ballot procedures should be aware that these changes may require adjustments to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

The new rules also reflect a broader trend towards modernizing employment law in the UK. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, trade unions and employers will need to adapt their practices to remain compliant with changing requirements.

Lawyers should note that this Order brings into effect new rules for electronic and workplace balloting, which may affect their clients' union ballot procedures and compliance with relevant legislation.

Source: Original reporting via The Code of Practice (Electronic and Workplace Balloting for Statutory Trade Union Ballots) Order 2026