Introduction of opt in for contribution to political fund introduced

Implementation date: 1 March 2017

The Trade Union Act 2016 (Political funds) (Transition period) Regulations 2017 introduce a requirement that, in order to make a contribution to the political fund element of a trade union, new members must opt in. Application forms for membership must indicate that it is a choice whether or not to opt in to the political fund and that there is no detriment for members who choose not to opt in. Reminder notices must be provided annually to all members informing them that they have the right to opt out of the political fund at any time. There will be a 12-month transition period beginning on 1 March 2017, to provide trade unions and employer associations an appropriate time period in which to take any action necessary as a consequence of the introduction of the new requirement.

Government guidance will be available to help interpret the specific details of the requirement.