Change of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trade-union-executive-elections-guide-for-trade-unions-and-their-members

Change description : 2026-08-25 09:30:00: Added link to ‘Electronic and workplace balloting: code of practice’. [Guidance and regulation]

Showing diff : ..2026-08-25 08:37:29.185810402 +00:00

Statutory guidance

Trade union executive elections: guide for trade unions and their members

Describes the statutory requirements which apply to trade union elections.

From:
Department for Business and Trade, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Published:
9 April 2009
Last updated:
25 August 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Trade union executive elections: a guide for trade unions, their members, and others

Ref: BIS/10/816

PDF, 114 KB, 29 pages

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Details

New legislation allowing electronic and workplace balloting for statutory trade union ballots came into effect on the 25 August 2026. This includes changes to process of calling a statutory ballot, even if the ballot is to be held by post. From 25 August 2026, the Trade Union ‘responsible person’ must consider specific factors and criteria in determining the balloting methods to be used.

Some information, including within the guidance, on this page may not reflect these legislative changes. Refer to the guidance on electronic and workplace balloting for trade union ballots and the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 for the most up-to-date information on how statutory trade union ballots may be conducted and the requirements of the ‘responsible person’ in conducting a statutory ballot.

The information on this page and associated guidance will be updated to reflect the legislative changes.

Statutory requirements which apply to trade union elections, and the remedies available to a trade union member if their union fails to comply with these requirements.

Updates to this page

Published 9 April 2009
Last updated 25 August 2026 — Show all updates

  1. Added link to 'Electronic and workplace balloting: code of practice'.

  2. First published.

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Update history

2026-08-25 09:30
Added link to ‘Electronic and workplace balloting: code of practice’.