Summary of the UK Employment Rights Act 2025
In Relation to Union Recognition at Dell UK
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant reforms to UK trade union law, making it easier for unions to achieve statutory recognition through the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).
For employees at Dell UK, the key changes relevant to union recognition are as follows:
- Lower Threshold to Trigger the Recognition Process
Previously, a union was required to demonstrate at least 10% membership within a proposed bargaining unit and show evidence that a majority of employees were likely to support recognition.
Under the 2025 reforms, the minimum membership threshold has been reduced (subject to final regulations), and the requirement to demonstrate likely majority support before a ballot has been removed or substantially simplified. This lowers the barrier for a union to formally apply for recognition.
- Simpler Ballot Requirements
Under earlier legislation, a recognition ballot required:
• A majority of votes cast in favour, and
• At least 40% of the entire bargaining unit to vote “yes.”
The Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the 40% threshold. Recognition now requires only a simple majority of votes cast in the ballot.
This change makes successful recognition more achievable where there is clear employee support.
- Recognition Without a Ballot
If more than 50% of workers in the proposed bargaining unit are union members, the CAC may grant recognition without holding a ballot. This provision remains in place.
- Stronger Union Access and Organising Rights
The Act strengthens union access rights, including improved ability to communicate with employees and greater workplace access for organising purposes. This may increase union engagement activity within organisations such as Dell UK.
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Overall, the Employment Rights Act 2025 represents a significant shift in UK industrial relations law. It reduces procedural barriers and makes statutory union recognition more accessible where employees demonstrate sufficient support.
The full link to this legislation will be available on our Union information website as soon as it goes live in the coming weeks.
From Autumn 2026, under the Employment Rights Act 2025, we will be able to actively promote union membership and organising activity onsite at Dell UK offices in partnership with our recognised Trade Unions.
We ask all Dell workers to remain patient and stay engaged. The direction of UK employment legislation is strengthening workers’ rights and improving access to fair union recognition processes.
We will provide further updates as soon as the relevant provisions come fully into force.
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