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ARTICLE · 16 OCTOBER 2026

Key Updates To The October ERA Reforms

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The UK government has delayed key provisions of the Employment Rights Act 2025, pushing back the requirement for employers to inform workers of their trade union rights from October 2026 to likely January 2027. Public sector outsourcing reforms have been removed from the implementation timeline entirely, though other October 2026 reforms remain on track.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Lindsey Hill
Lindsey Hill

Statement on right to join a trade union

The new requirement for employers to give workers a written statement about their right to join a trade union has been delayed.

The requirement was due to come into force on 30 October 2026. However, the consultation outcome, the government's updated timeline and full response suggest that January 2027 is the most likely start date.

Employers will need to give the statement to all new workers who start on or after the duty takes effect. It must be provided at the same time as their written statement of employment particulars. Existing workers must receive the statement annually, with the first deadline being 5 April 2027.

The Government will set out a standard statement in regulations, which have not yet been published. Employers will need to use the prescribed wording and may only amend it to add information specific to their workplace. The statement must include a link to the Certification Officer’s list of trade unions, or employers must

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