The Code of Practice (Electronic and Workplace Balloting for Statutory Trade Union Ballots) Order 2026, laid before Parliament on 28 July 2026, confirms that the Code of Practice on Electronic and Workplace Balloting for Statutory Trade Union Ballots will come into force on 25 August 2026.
Practical guidance is provided in the code for independent scrutineers and trade unions on the use of electronic and workplace voting methods during statutory trade union ballots. It also helps employers and union members in understanding and participating in these ballots.
Alongside the code, the Trade Unions (Permissible Means of Voting) and Employment Rights (Unfair Dismissal) (Amendment) Order 2026 has also been passed by Parliament. This makes the necessary changes to the law to allow electronic and hybrid voting methods to take place. This applies to ballots for industrial action, union elections, political fund/resolution and union mergers. It also applies from 25 August 2026.
According to the Government’s updated timeline for implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025, electronic and workplace balloting is expected to come into force for the purposes of trade union recognition and de-recognition in 2027.
