Government consultation on a draft code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting for statutory union ballots

The government has today (19 November 2025) launched a consultation on a draft code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting for statutory union ballots. The consultation runs until 28 January 2026.

The government’s Plan to Make Work Pay includes a commitment to modernise union voting by allowing secure electronic and workplace balloting for statutory ballots. This change aims to:

• Align union voting with modern practices used by political parties and listed companies;
• increase participation and make it easier for members to have their voices heard; and
• strengthen democratic mandates.

The changes will be implemented through a statutory instrument (SI) under Section 54 of the Employment Relations Act 2004, which gives the Secretary of State for Business and Trade the authority to approve additional voting methods, postal voting will remain available. Therefore, this is not dependent on the Employment Right Bill (ERB).