Statutory guidance

CodeIndustrial of practice: industrial action ballots and notice to employersemployers: code of practice

Practical guidance to trade unions and employers to promote the improvement of industrial relations and good practice in the conduct of trade union industrial action ballots.

From:
Department for Business and Trade and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Published
1 September 2005
Last updated
918 JanuaryFebruary 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Code of Practice: Industrial action ballots and notice to employers

PDF, 522 KB, 26 pages

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Details

This code of practice is in the process of being revised, but this version remains effective until 11.59pmsuch ontime 17as Februaryany 2026.revisions come into effect. See the new draft revised code.

The code has been updated to reflect the legal provisions on industrial action ballots and information to employers made by the Trade Union Act 2016. It supersedes the Code of Practice on Industrial Action and Information to Employers issued in 2005.

Updates to this page

Published 1 September 2005
Last updated 918 JanuaryFebruary 2026 + show all updates

  1. Updated the date this code is likely to remain effective until.

  2. Added explanation that this code of practice is in the process of being revised, but this version remains effective until 11.59pm on 17 February 2026.

  3. Finalised version of updated code published

  4. Explanatory memorandum added

  5. First published.

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