HR anticipate rise in Union activity from Employment Rights Bill

HR anticipate rise in Union activity from Employment Rights Bill

Summary

New research from WorkNest shows many businesses are bracing for increased trade union engagement if the Employment Rights Bill lowers membership thresholds for recognition. Over half (53%) of employers expect more union activity, while 28% say they have regularly engaged with unions in the past 12 months. The survey highlights a range of employer concerns — managing risk (48%), negotiating access in good faith (39%), updating contracts (35%) and avoiding CAC disputes and penalties (27%). The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in the autumn, with trade union reforms likely to take effect from April 2026.

Key Points

• 53% of businesses expect a rise in union activity if recognition thresholds are lowered under the Employment Rights Bill.
• 28% of employers have regularly engaged with trade unions in the last 12 months.
• Top employer concerns: managing risk (48%), negotiating union access (39%), updating contracts (35%) and avoiding CAC disputes/penalties (27%).
• WorkNest advises HR teams to build legal knowledge, negotiation skills and proactive engagement strategies.
• The Employment Rights Bill is expected to gain Royal Assent in the autumn; related reforms are anticipated from April 2026.

Why should I read this?

Quick and blunt: if you work in HR or lead a business, this matters. The report suggests tangible operational and legal headaches are coming — now’s the time to sharpen your bargaining, contract and risk playbooks. We’ve done the skim for you so you can act, not hunt for headlines.

Source

Source: https://hrnews.co.uk/hr-anticipate-rise-in-union-activity-from-employment-rights-bill/