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ARTICLE · 23 MARCH 2026

Striking Changes: UK Industrial Action Reform

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Those hurdles often proved decisive: a low turnout could invalidate an otherwise supportive ballot, while complex requirements created opportunities for employers to challenge industrial action.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Felicity Gemson
Felicity Gemson
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Industrial action in the UK is about to become significantly easier to organise—and harder for employers to stop. Changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 sweep away many of the procedural hurdles introduced by the Trade Union Act 2016, signalling a more active industrial relations environment.

Those hurdles often proved decisive: a low turnout could invalidate an otherwise supportive ballot, while complex requirements created opportunities for employers to challenge industrial action.

What's changing?

The Employment Rights Act 2025 dismantles much of this framework, streamlining the industrial action process and reducing the scope for challenges. Here's a snapshot of the key changes:

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