Written question asked by Lord Gilbert of Panteg (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 October 2026. It was answered by Lord Leong (Labour) on Thursday, 1 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Trade Unions

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Employment Rights Act 2025’s provisions on access to the workplace will require changes to the guidance on trade union access to the building of the employer on strike days.

Answer: The Employment Rights Act 2025’s provisions on access set out that trade union access cannot be used for the purposes of organising industrial action (70ZA(7) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992). Doing so would be considered a breach of the access agreement. However, the union could still be entitled to access a non-striking group of workers in the same workplace for any of the access purposes set out (section 70ZA (6) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992)), and in accordance with the access agreement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL3686
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Conditions of employment Buildings Industrial disputes Trade unions
Legislation: Employment Rights Act 2025
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk