With employers facing penalties of up to £500,000 through enforcement of trade union access agreements, Stourbridge-based EC Human Resources is urging businesses to prepare for the new rules introduced on 30 October 2026. HR Consultant Emma Cromarty believes employers across the West Midlands need a clear process in place before a request arrives, particularly where they have limited HR support.
The framework allows qualifying independent trade unions to request access to workers through workplace visits, digital communication or both, even where the union is not recognised by the employer. Businesses have 15 working days after a valid statutory request is given to respond, with the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) able to determine arrangements if access terms cannot be agreed.
Although a small-employer exception applies, businesses need to check the workforce counting rules carefully: these include associated employers and require fewer than 21...
