Make Work Pay: draft code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting for statutory union ballots
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
This consultation sought views on the clarity and accessibility of the draft statutory code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting for trade union ballots. The government is grateful to all those who took the time to respond.
The consultation received 69 responses from a range of stakeholders, including:
- employers
- trade unions
- business representative organisations
- academics
- legal experts
- local government bodies
Responses were carefully considered and helped inform revisions to the draft code of practice. This government response explains the changes made and the reasons for them.
The revised draft code of practice was laid in Parliament on 22 June 2026 alongside the secondary legislation allowing electronic and workplace balloting for statutory trade union ballots. Subject to approval by both Houses, the code is expected to come into force in August 2026.
Original consultation
Consultation description
The government will introduce a new statutory code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting to accompany the introduction of these methods for statutory union ballots. This new code will provide practical information on the conduct of these ballots.
It will include:
- requirements on each party involved in a statutory union ballot to ensure a ballot meets the required standards
- factors to be considered when choosing a voting method
- good practice in the conduct of statutory union ballots using these new voting methods
This consultation invites views from all interested parties to ensure this new code of practice is clear and balanced.
Documents
Updates to this page
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'Explanatory memorandum to the draft code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting for statutory trade union ballots' added.
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Documents added: the government response to the consultation, an updated draft code of practice, and an updated impact assessment.
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First published.