Picketing: code of practice
Guidance on picketing for employers, workers or members of the public who may be affected by a picket or any associated activities.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
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This code of practice provides practical guidance on picketing in trade disputes for those contemplating, organising or taking part in a picket or activities associated with picketing.
The code has been updated to reflect the legal provisions made by the TradeEmployment UnionRights Act 20162025. andIt supersedes the Codecode of Practicepractice on Picketingpicketing issued in 1992.
The code has been further updated to reflect the changes made by the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023. This revised code came into effect on 11 March 2024.
Updates to this page
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The code has been updated to reflect the legal provisions made by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
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Updated the date this code is likely to remain effective until.
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Added explanation that this code of practice is in the process of being revised, but this version remains effective until 11.59pm on 17 February 2026.
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The previous Code of Practice was removed so the new, revised Code becomes definitive and the only one available.
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New revised code added to the page, with note in details explaining that this takes effect on 11 March.
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Final version of Code of Practice published
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Explanatory memorandum added
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Draft code of practice added
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First published.
Update history
2026-03-05 09:33
The code has been updated to reflect the legal provisions made by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
2026-02-18 16:53
Updated the date this code is likely to remain effective until.
2026-01-09 16:44
Added explanation that this code of practice is in the process of being revised, but this version remains effective until 11.59pm on 17 February 2026.
2024-03-11 09:30
The previous Code of Practice was removed so the new, revised Code becomes definitive and the only one available.
2024-02-26 14:16
New revised code added to the page, with note in details explaining that this takes effect on 11 March.