As of 30 October 2026, trade unions have the right to request access to workplaces.The first request is unlikely to go to someone in HR, so employers need to put processes in place to avoid serious financial penalties. Jenny Rimell, Head of HR Consultancy at Make UK, explains what businesses need to do now.
Most businesses assume a union access request will be handled by someone in HR who knows what it is.
Make UK helps employers make confident decisions about their people. Trusted by more than 2,500 UK businesses, our team of 70 employment lawyers and HR professionals provides practical advice, consultancy and training. As the voice of UK manufacturing, we bring deep sector knowledge while supporting organisations across a wide range of industries, helping HR teams manage everyday challenges and prepare for changes in employment law.
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