Have your say on government’s response to trade union rights of access

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is gathering feedback on trade union rights of access following the government’s response to its consultation on proposed changes.

Trade union rights of access refer to the circumstances under which union representatives can enter workplaces to speak to employees, recruit members, or carry out union activity.

The consultation sets out plans that could have important implications for employers and workplace operations.

Proposals include a new threshold of 21 workers for access rights, revised timescales for responding to requests and negotiating agreements, new notice periods for workplace access visits, and increased financial penalties for repeated breaches of an agreement.

Access agreements would also expire after a maximum of two years.

The feedback will ensure the voice of Birmingham business is heard as part of the wider national lobbying work being led through the British Chambers of Commerce.

Paige Bowyer (pictured), GBCC policy and research analyst, said: “While some changes to the proposed timelines are welcome, there remains concern that employer views have not been fully reflected in the outcome.

“For many organisations, these measures could create new operational, administrative and compliance pressures.

“We are keen to understand how these proposals could affect businesses across Greater Birmingham, whether the proposed timescales appear workable in practice, and any experiences members may already have of managing trade union access requests or similar workplace arrangements.”

Members are invited to share their views by 15 May. Feedback can be submitted by email, or through a short call with Paige Bowyer.