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Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992

Type Public General Act

Publication 1992-07-16

Last updated 2026-04-07

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(b) the duty in paragraph 19J(4).

(2) The powers are—

(a) the power of ACAS under section 199(1);

(b) the power of the Secretary of State under section 203(1)(a).

Unfair practices

19M

(1) Each of the parties informed by the CAC under paragraph 15(5) that an application under paragraph 11 or 12 is accepted must refrain from using any unfair practice in relation to the application.

(2) A party uses an unfair practice if, with a view to influencing the outcome of the application, the party does any of the following—

(a) dismisses, or threatens to dismiss, a worker;

(b) takes, or threatens to take, disciplinary action against a worker;

(d) offers to pay money, or give money’s worth, to a relevant worker in return for the worker’s agreement to vote in a particular way, or to abstain from voting, in a relevant ballot;

(e) makes an outcome-specific offer to a relevant worker;

(f) coerces, or attempts to coerce, a relevant worker to disclose—

(i) whether the worker intends to vote, or to abstain from voting, in any relevant ballot, or

(ii) how the worker intends to vote, or has voted, in any relevant ballot;

(g) uses, or attempts to use, undue influence on a relevant worker.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2)—

(a) “relevant ballot” means any ballot that is or may be held in which workers are asked whether they want the union (or unions) to conduct collective bargaining on their behalf, and

(b) “relevant worker” means any worker who is or would be entitled to vote in a relevant ballot.

(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(e) an “outcome-specific offer” is an offer to pay money, or give money’s worth, which—

(a) is conditional on the issuing by the CAC of a declaration that—

(i) the union is (or unions are) recognised as entitled to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of a bargaining unit, or

(ii) the union is (or unions are) not entitled to be so recognised, and

(b) is not conditional on anything which is done or occurs as a result of the declaration in question.

(5) The duty imposed by this paragraph does not confer any rights on a worker; but that does not affect any other right which a worker may have.

(6) Each of the following powers is to be taken to include power to issue Codes of Practice about unfair practices for the purposes of this paragraph—

(a) the power of ACAS under section 199(1);

(b) the power of the Secretary of State under section 203(1)(a).

19N

(1) A party may complain to the CAC that another party has failed to comply with paragraph 19M.

(2) A complaint under sub-paragraph (1) may not be made after—

(a) the application under paragraph 11 or 12 is withdrawn;

(b) the CAC gives notice to the union (or unions) of a decision under paragraph 20 that the application is invalid;

(c) the CAC notifies the union (or unions) of a declaration issued under paragraph 13B(6), 19F(5), 19K(4) or (5), 19P(4) or (5), 22(2) or 27(2) in relation to the application;

(d) if the CAC informs the union (or unions) under paragraph 25(9) of a ballot in relation to the application, the fifth working day after—

(i) the date of the ballot, or

(ii) if votes may be cast in the ballot on more than one day, the last of those days.

(3) Within the decision period the CAC must decide whether the complaint is well-founded.

(4) A complaint is well-founded if the CAC finds that the party complained against used an unfair practice.

(5) The decision period is—

(a) the period of 10 working days starting with the day after the day on which the complaint under sub-paragraph (1) was received by the CAC, or

(b) such longer period (so starting) as the CAC may specify to the parties by a notice containing reasons for the extension.

19O

(1) This paragraph applies if the CAC decides that a complaint under paragraph 19N is well-founded.

(2) The CAC must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, issue a declaration to that effect.

(3) The CAC may order the party concerned to take any action specified in the order within such period as may be so specified.

(4) Sub-paragraph (5) applies if—

(a) the parties have agreed an appropriate bargaining unit or the CAC has decided an appropriate bargaining unit, and

(b) the CAC has at any time informed the union (or unions) under paragraph 25(9) of a ballot in relation to the application (including a ballot that was cancelled or is ineffective).

(5) The CAC may give notice to the employer and to the union (or unions) that it intends to arrange for the holding of a secret ballot in which the workers constituting the bargaining unit, other than those who joined the bargaining unit after the application day, are asked whether they want the union (or unions) to conduct collective bargaining on their behalf.

(6) The CAC may make an order under sub-paragraph (3), or give a notice under sub-paragraph (5), either at the same time as it issues the declaration under sub-paragraph (2) or at any other time before any of the following occurs—

(a) the withdrawal of the application under paragraph 11 or 12;

(b) the CAC giving notice to the union (or unions) of a decision under paragraph 20 that the application is invalid;

(c) the CAC notifying the union (or unions) of a declaration issued under paragraph 13B(6), 19F(5), 19K(4) or (5), 19P(4) or (5), 22(2) or 27(2) in relation to the application;

(d) if the CAC informs the union (or unions) under paragraph 25(9) of a ballot in relation to the application, the CAC acting under paragraph 29 in relation to the ballot.

(7) The action specified in an order under sub-paragraph (3) must be such as the CAC considers reasonable in order to mitigate the effect of the failure of the party concerned to comply with the duty imposed by paragraph 19M.

(8) The CAC may make more than one order under sub-paragraph (3).

19P

(1) Sub-paragraphs (4) to (6) apply if—

(a) the CAC issues a declaration under paragraph 19O(2) that a complaint that a party has failed to comply with paragraph 19M is well-founded,

(b) the application under paragraph 11 or 12 has not been withdrawn,

(d) in the case of an application under paragraph 11(2) or 12(2), the CAC, if required to do so, has decided under paragraph 20 that the application is not invalid,

(e) the CAC has not notified the union (or unions) of a declaration issued under paragraph 13B(6), 19F(5), 19K(4) or (5), 19P(4) or (5), 22(2) or 27(2) in relation to the application, and

(f) sub-paragraph (2) or (3) applies.

(2) This sub-paragraph applies if the declaration states that the unfair practice used consisted of or included—

(a) the use of violence, or

(b) the dismissal of a union official.

(3) This sub-paragraph applies if the CAC has made an order under paragraph 19O(3) and—

(a) it is satisfied that the party subject to the order has failed to comply with it, or

(b) it makes another declaration under paragraph 19O(2) in relation to a complaint against that party.

(4) If the party that has failed to comply is the employer, the CAC may issue a declaration that the union is (or unions are) recognised as entitled to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of the bargaining unit.

(5) If the party that has failed to comply is a union, the CAC may issue a declaration that the union is (or unions are) not entitled to be so recognised.

(6) The powers conferred by this paragraph are in addition to those conferred by paragraph 19O.

Access agreements

81A

(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 66 or 75, and

(b) the application is in progress.

(2) The union (or unions) may, by giving notice to the CAC and the employer within the access request period, request access to the relevant workers in connection with the application.

(3) The relevant workers are—

(a) in relation to any time before the CAC decides that a bargaining unit other than the original unit is an appropriate bargaining unit, the workers constituting the original unit, and

(b) in relation to any time after the CAC decides that a bargaining unit other than the original unit is an appropriate bargaining unit, the workers constituting the new unit (see paragraph 82(4)).

(4) But, where there is more than one new unit, references to the relevant workers are references to the workers constituting each new unit separately.

(5) The access request period is the period of 5 working days starting with the day after the day on which the CAC gives the union (or unions) notice under paragraph 68(5) or 76(5) that the application is accepted.

(6) For the purposes of this paragraph and paragraphs 81B to 81E, an application under paragraph 66 or 75 is in progress if none of the following has occurred—

(a) the withdrawal of the application;

(b) the CAC issuing a declaration under paragraph 69(3), 78(3), 81E(4) or (5) or 81J(4) or (5) in relation to the application;

(d) in relation to the new unit (or, if there is more than one, all of the new units)—

(i) the CAC issuing a declaration under paragraph 83(2), 85(2), 86(3) or 87(2), or under paragraph 27(2) (where it applies by virtue of paragraph 89(5)),

(ii) the union (or unions) notifying the CAC under paragraph 89(1), or

(iii) the holding of any ballot arising from the application.

81B

(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 66 or 75,

(b) the union requests (or unions request) access to the relevant workers under paragraph 81A(2) in connection with the application, and

(2) The CAC must try to help the parties to reach agreement within the negotiation period as to terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the relevant workers.

(3) The negotiation period is, subject to any notice under sub-paragraph (4) or (6)—

(a) the period of 20 working days starting with the day after the day on which the CAC gives the union (or unions) notice under paragraph 68(5) or 76(5) that the application is accepted, or

(b) such longer period (so starting) as the CAC may specify to the parties by notice containing reasons for the extension.

(4) If, during the negotiation period, the CAC concludes that there is no reasonable prospect of the parties’ agreeing terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the relevant workers before the time when (apart from this sub-paragraph) the negotiation period would end, the CAC may, by a notice given to the parties, declare that the negotiation period ends with the date of the notice.

(5) A notice under sub-paragraph (4) must contain reasons for reaching the conclusion mentioned in that sub-paragraph.

(6) If, during the negotiation period, the parties apply to the CAC for a declaration that the negotiation period is to end with a date (specified in the application) which is earlier or later than the date with which it would otherwise end, the CAC may, by a notice given to the parties, declare that the negotiation period ends with the specified date.

81C

(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 66 or 75,

(b) the union requests (or unions request) access to the relevant workers under paragraph 81A(2) in connection with the application,

(c) the parties have not within the negotiation period agreed terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the relevant workers, and

(d) the application is in progress.

(2) Within the adjudication period, the CAC must—

(a) decide the terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the relevant workers, or

(b) decide that the union is (or unions are) not to have access to the relevant workers.

(3) The adjudication period is—

(a) the period of 10 working days starting with the day after the day with which the negotiation period ends, or

(b) such longer period (so starting) as the CAC may specify to the parties by notice containing reasons for the extension.

(4) Any terms decided by the CAC must be terms that the CAC regards as allowing such access to the relevant workers as is reasonable to enable the union (or unions) to—

(a) inform the workers of the object of the application or any ballot arising from it, and

(b) seek their support and their opinions on the issues involved.

81D

(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) an access agreement is entered into, and

(b) the application under paragraph 66 or 75 is in progress.

(2) “Access agreement” means—

(a) terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the relevant workers and which are agreed between the parties under paragraph 81B during the negotiation period, or

(b) terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the relevant workers and which are decided by the CAC under paragraph 81C,

and such an agreement is “entered into” when the terms are so agreed or decided.

(3) The parties must comply with the access agreement.

(4) The employer must refrain from making any offer to any or all of the relevant workers which—

(a) has or is likely to have the effect of inducing any or all of them not to attend any relevant meeting between the union (or unions) and the relevant workers, and

(b) is not reasonable in the circumstances.

(5) The employer must refrain from taking, or threatening to take, any action against a worker solely or mainly on the grounds that the worker—

(a) attended or took part in any relevant meeting between the union (or unions) and the relevant workers, or

(b) indicated an intention to attend or take part in such a meeting.

(6) The relevant workers are—

(a) in relation to any time before the CAC decides that a bargaining unit other than the original unit is an appropriate bargaining unit, the workers constituting the original unit, and

(b) in relation to any time after the CAC decides that a bargaining unit other than the original unit is an appropriate bargaining unit, the workers constituting the new unit (see paragraph 82(4)).

(7) But, where there is more than one new unit, references to the relevant workers are references to the workers constituting each new unit separately.

(8) A meeting is a relevant meeting in relation to a worker for the purposes of sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) if—

(a) it is organised in accordance with an access agreement or as a result of a step ordered to be taken under paragraph 81E to remedy a failure to comply with the duty in sub-paragraph (3), and

(b) it is one which the employer is, by such an agreement or order as is mentioned in paragraph (a), required to permit the worker to attend.

(9) The duties imposed by sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) do not confer any rights on a worker; but that does not affect any other right which a worker may have.

(10) Any provision of an access agreement that would require personal data relating to any of the relevant workers to be disclosed to any person other than a person appointed to conduct a ballot under paragraph 25 (where it applies by virtue of paragraph 89(4)) is of no effect for the purposes of this Part of this Schedule.

(11) “Personal data” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).

(12) An access agreement is to be conclusively presumed not to have been intended by the parties to be a legally enforceable contract; and, accordingly, where an access agreement is, or is part of, a collective agreement, section 179(2) and (3)(a) do not apply to the access agreement.

81E

(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if—

(a) the CAC is satisfied that a party has failed to fulfil any of the duties imposed on that party by paragraph 81D, and

(b) the application under paragraph 66 or 75 is in progress.

(2) The CAC may order the party—

(a) to take such steps to remedy the failure as the CAC considers reasonable and specifies in the order, and

(b) to do so within such period as the CAC considers reasonable and specifies in the order.

(3) Sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) apply if—

(a) the CAC is satisfied that a party has failed to comply with an order under sub-paragraph (2),

(b) the application under paragraph 66 or 75 is in progress, and

(c) the CAC has given notice under paragraph 70 or 79 of a decision as to the bargaining unit which is (or units which are) appropriate (each, a “new unit”).

(4) If the party that has failed to comply is the employer, the CAC may issue a declaration that the union is (or unions are) recognised as entitled to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of the new unit or units.

(5) If the party that has failed to comply is a union, the CAC may issue a declaration that the union is (or unions are) not entitled to be so recognised.

81F

(1) Each of the powers specified in sub-paragraph (2) is to be taken to include power to issue Codes of Practice about any matter relating to requests for access under paragraph 81A(2), including (among other things)—

(a) what access is reasonable for the purposes of paragraph 81C(4);

(b) the duty in paragraph 81D(4).

(2) The powers are—

(a) the power of ACAS under section 199(1);

(b) the power of the Secretary of State under section 203(1)(a).

Unfair practices

81G

(1) Each of the parties informed by the CAC under paragraph 68(5) or 76(5) that an application under paragraph 66 or 75 is accepted must refrain from using any unfair practice in relation to the application.

(2) A party uses an unfair practice if, with a view to influencing the outcome of the application, the party does any of the following—

(a) dismisses, or threatens to dismiss, a worker;

(b) takes, or threatens to take, disciplinary action against a worker;

(d) offers to pay money, or give money’s worth, to a relevant worker in return for the worker’s agreement to vote in a particular way, or to abstain from voting, in a relevant ballot;

(e) makes an outcome-specific offer to a relevant worker;

(f) coerces, or attempts to coerce, a relevant worker to disclose—

(i) whether the worker intends to vote, or to abstain from voting, in any relevant ballot, or

(ii) how the worker intends to vote, or has voted, in any relevant ballot;

(g) uses, or attempts to use, undue influence on a relevant worker.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2)—

(a) “relevant ballot” means any ballot that is or may be held in which workers are asked whether they want the union (or unions) to conduct collective bargaining on their behalf, and

(b) “relevant worker” means any worker who is or would be entitled to vote in a relevant ballot.

(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(e) an “outcome-specific offer” is an offer to pay money, or give money’s worth, which—

(a) is conditional on the issuing by the CAC of a declaration that—

(i) the union is (or unions are) recognised as entitled to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of a bargaining unit, or

(ii) the union is (or unions are) not entitled to be so recognised, and

(b) is not conditional on anything which is done or occurs as a result of the declaration in question.

(5) The duty imposed by this paragraph does not confer any rights on a worker; but that does not affect any other right which a worker may have.

(6) Each of the following powers is to be taken to include power to issue Codes of Practice about unfair practices for the purposes of this paragraph—

(a) the power of ACAS under section 199(1);

(b) the power of the Secretary of State under section 203(1)(a).

81H

(1) A party may complain to the CAC that another party has failed to comply with paragraph 81G.

(2) A complaint under sub-paragraph (1) may not be made after a conclusion event occurs.

(3) The following are conclusion events—

(a) the withdrawal of the application under paragraph 66 or 75;

(b) the CAC issuing a declaration under paragraph 69(3), 78(3), 81E(4) or (5) or 81J(4) or (5) in relation to the application;

(d) if the CAC has given notice under paragraph 70 or 79 of a decision as to the bargaining unit which is (or units which are) appropriate (each, a “new unit”), any of the following occurring in relation to the new unit (or, if there is more than one, all of the new units)—

(i) the CAC issuing a declaration under paragraph 83(2), 85(2), 86(3) or 87(2), or under paragraph 27(2) (where it applies by virtue of paragraph 89(5));

(ii) the union (or unions) notifying the CAC under paragraph 89(1);

(iii) the post-ballot complaint period having ended.

(4) The post-ballot complaint period is, in relation to any ballot held arising from the application, the period of 5 working days after—

(a) the date of the ballot, or

(b) if votes may be cast in the ballot on more than one day, the last of those days.

(5) Within the decision period the CAC must decide whether the complaint is well-founded.

(6) A complaint is well-founded if the CAC finds that the party complained against used an unfair practice.

(7) The decision period is—

(a) the period of 10 working days starting with the day after the day on which the complaint under sub-paragraph (1) was received by the CAC, or

(b) such longer period (so starting) as the CAC may specify to the parties by a notice containing reasons for the extension.

81I

(1) This paragraph applies if the CAC decides that a complaint under paragraph 81H is well-founded.

(2) The CAC must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, issue a declaration to that effect.

(3) The CAC may order the party concerned to take any action specified in the order within such period as may be so specified.

(4) Sub-paragraph (5) applies if—

(a) the CAC has given notice under paragraph 70 or 79 of a decision as to the bargaining unit which is (or units which are) appropriate (each, a “new unit”), and

(b) the CAC has at any time informed the union (or unions) under paragraph 25(9) (where it applies by virtue of paragraph 89(4)) of a ballot in relation to the application (including a ballot that was cancelled or is ineffective).

(5) The CAC may give notice to the employer and to the union (or unions) that it intends to arrange for the holding of a secret ballot (or secret ballots) in which the workers constituting the new unit (or each of the new units) are asked whether they want the union (or unions) to conduct collective bargaining on their behalf.

(6) The CAC may make an order under sub-paragraph (3), or give a notice under sub-paragraph (5), either at the same time as it issues the declaration under sub-paragraph (2) or at any other time before any of the following occurs—

(a) the withdrawal of the application under paragraph 66 or 75;

(b) the CAC issuing a declaration under paragraph 69(3), 78(3), 81E(4) or (5) or 81J(4) or (5) in relation to the application;

(d) in relation to the new unit (or, if there is more than one, all of the new units)—

(i) the CAC issuing a declaration under paragraph 83(2), 85(2), 86(3) or 87(2), or under paragraph 27(2) (where it applies by virtue of paragraph 89(5)),

(ii) the union (or unions) notifying the CAC under paragraph 89(1), or

(iii) if the CAC informs the union (or unions) under paragraph 25(9) (where it applies by virtue of paragraph 89(4)) of any ballot arising from the application, the CAC acting under paragraph 29 (where it applies by virtue of paragraph 89(5)) in relation to the ballot.

(7) The action specified in an order under sub-paragraph (3) must be such as the CAC considers reasonable in order to mitigate the effect of the failure of the party concerned to comply with the duty imposed by paragraph 81G.

(8) The CAC may make more than one order under sub-paragraph (3).

81J

(1) Sub-paragraphs (4) to (6) apply if—

(a) the CAC issues a declaration under paragraph 81I(2) that a complaint that a party has failed to comply with paragraph 81G is well-founded,

(b) the application under paragraph 66 or 75 has not been withdrawn,

(c) the CAC has given notice under paragraph 70 or 79 of a decision as to the bargaining unit which is (or units which are) appropriate (each, a “new unit”),

(d) the CAC has not issued a declaration under paragraph 69(3), 78(3), 81E(4) or (5) or 81J(4) or (5) in relation to the application,

(e) the CAC has not notified the union (or unions) of its decision under paragraph 77(2) or 77(3),

(f) in relation to the new unit (or, if there is more than one, all of the new units), neither of the following has occurred—

(i) the CAC issuing a declaration under paragraph 83(2), 85(2), 86(3) or 87(2), or under paragraph 27(2) (where it applies by virtue of paragraph 89(5)), or

(ii) the union (or unions) notifying the CAC under paragraph 89(1), and

(g) sub-paragraph (2) or (3) applies.

(2) This sub-paragraph applies if the declaration states that the unfair practice used consisted of or included—

(a) the use of violence, or

(b) the dismissal of a union official.

(3) This sub-paragraph applies if the CAC has made an order under paragraph 81I(3) and—

(a) it is satisfied that the party subject to the order has failed to comply with it, or

(b) it makes another declaration under paragraph 81I(2) in relation to a complaint against that party.

(4) If the party that has failed to comply is the employer, the CAC may issue a declaration that the union is (or unions are) recognised as entitled to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of the new unit or units.

(5) If the party that has failed to comply is a union, the CAC may issue a declaration that the union is (or unions are) not entitled to be so recognised.

(6) The powers conferred by this paragraph are in addition to those conferred by paragraph 81I.

Access agreements

116A

(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112, and

(b) the application is in progress.

(2) The union (or unions) may, by giving notice to the CAC and the employer within the access request period, request access to the workers constituting the bargaining unit in connection with the application.

(3) The access request period is the period of 5 working days starting with the day after the day on which the CAC gives the union (or unions) notice under paragraph 111(5) or 115(5) that the application is accepted.

(4) For the purposes of this paragraph and paragraphs 116B to 116E, an application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112 is in progress if none of the following has occurred—

(a) in the case of an application under paragraph 106 or 107, the withdrawal of the application;

(b) in the case of an application under paragraph 112, an agreement or withdrawal as described in paragraph 116(1);

(d) the CAC notifying the union (or unions) of a declaration issued under paragraph 116E(5) or 116K(5) in relation to the application;

(e) the holding of any ballot arising from the application.

116B

(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112,

(b) the union requests (or unions request) access to the workers constituting the bargaining unit under paragraph 116A(2) in connection with the application, and

(2) The CAC must try to help the parties to reach agreement within the negotiation period as to terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the workers.

(3) The negotiation period is, subject to any notice under sub-paragraph (4) or (6)—

(a) the period of 20 working days starting with the day after the day on which the CAC gives the union (or unions) notice under paragraph 111(5) or 115(5) that the application is accepted, or

(b) such longer period (so starting) as the CAC may specify to the parties by notice containing reasons for the extension.

(4) If, during the negotiation period, the CAC concludes that there is no reasonable prospect of the parties’ agreeing terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the workers before the time when (apart from this sub-paragraph) the negotiation period would end, the CAC may, by a notice given to the parties, declare that the negotiation period ends with the date of the notice.

(5) A notice under sub-paragraph (4) must contain reasons for reaching the conclusion mentioned in that sub-paragraph.

(6) If, during the negotiation period, the parties apply to the CAC for a declaration that the negotiation period is to end with a date (specified in the application) which is earlier or later than the date with which it would otherwise end, the CAC may, by a notice given to the parties, declare that the negotiation period ends with the specified date.

116C

(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112,

(b) the union requests (or unions request) access to the workers constituting the bargaining unit under paragraph 116A(2) in connection with the application,

(c) the parties have not within the negotiation period agreed terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the workers, and

(d) the application is in progress.

(2) Within the adjudication period, the CAC must—

(a) decide the terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the workers, or

(b) decide that the union is (or unions are) not to have access to the workers.

(3) The adjudication period is—

(a) the period of 10 working days starting with the day after the day with which the negotiation period ends, or

(b) such longer period (so starting) as the CAC may specify to the parties by notice containing reasons for the extension.

(4) Any terms decided by the CAC must be terms that the CAC regards as allowing such access to the workers constituting the bargaining unit as is reasonable to enable the union (or unions) to—

(a) inform the workers of the object of the application or any ballot arising from it, and

(b) seek their support and their opinions on the issues involved.

116D

(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) an access agreement is entered into, and

(b) the application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112 is in progress.

(2) “Access agreement” means—

(a) terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the workers constituting the bargaining unit and which are agreed between the parties under paragraph 116B during the negotiation period, or

(b) terms on which the union is (or unions are) to have access to the workers constituting the bargaining unit and which are decided by the CAC under paragraph 116C,

and such an agreement is to be treated as “entered into” when the terms are so agreed or decided.

(3) The parties must comply with the access agreement.

(4) The employer must refrain from making any offer to any or all of the workers constituting the bargaining unit which—

(a) has or is likely to have the effect of inducing any or all of them not to attend any relevant meeting between the union (or unions) and the workers constituting the bargaining unit, and

(b) is not reasonable in the circumstances.

(5) The employer must refrain from taking, or threatening to take, any action against a worker solely or mainly on the grounds that the worker—

(a) attended or took part in any relevant meeting between the union (or unions) and the workers constituting the bargaining unit, or

(b) indicated an intention to attend or take part in such a meeting.

(6) A meeting is a relevant meeting in relation to a worker for the purposes of sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) if—

(a) it is organised in accordance with an access agreement or as a result of a step ordered to be taken under paragraph 116E to remedy a failure to comply with the duty in sub-paragraph (3), and

(b) it is one which the employer is, by such an agreement or order as is mentioned in paragraph (a), required to permit the worker to attend.

(7) The duties imposed by sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) do not confer any rights on a worker; but that does not affect any other right which a worker may have.

(8) Any provision of an access agreement that would require personal data relating to any of the relevant workers to be disclosed to a person other than a person appointed under paragraph 117 to conduct a ballot is of no effect for the purposes of this Part of this Schedule.

(9) “Personal data” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).

(10) An access agreement is to be conclusively presumed not to have been intended by the parties to be a legally enforceable contract; and, accordingly, where an access agreement is, or is part of, a collective agreement, section 179(2) and (3)(a) do not apply to the access agreement.

116E

(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if—

(a) the CAC is satisfied that a party has failed to fulfil any of the duties imposed on that party by paragraph 116D, and

(b) the application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112 is in progress.

(2) The CAC may order the party—

(a) to take such steps to remedy the failure as the CAC considers reasonable and specifies in the order, and

(b) to do so within such period as the CAC considers reasonable and specifies in the order.

(3) Sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) apply if—

(a) the CAC is satisfied that a party has failed to comply with an order under sub-paragraph (2), and

(b) the application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112 is in progress.

(4) If the party that has failed to comply is the employer, the CAC may—

(a) refuse the employer’s application under paragraph 106 or 107;

(b) order the employer to refrain from any campaigning in relation to an application under paragraph 112.

(5) If the party that has failed to comply is a union, the CAC may issue a declaration that the bargaining arrangements are to cease to have effect; and the bargaining arrangements cease to have effect accordingly.

116F

(1) This paragraph applies if the CAC has made an order under paragraph 116E(4)(b) in relation to an application under paragraph 112.

(2) The worker making the application (or each of the workers making the application) and the union (or each of the unions) are entitled to enforce obedience to the order.

(3) The order may be enforced—

(a) in England and Wales, in the same way as an order of the county court;

(b) in Scotland, in the same way as an order of the sheriff.

116G

(1) Each of the powers specified in sub-paragraph (2) is to be taken to include power to issue Codes of Practice about any matter relating to requests for access under paragraph 116A(2), including (among other things)—

(a) what access is reasonable for the purposes of paragraph 116C(4);

(b) the duty in paragraph 116D(4).

(2) The powers are—

(a) the power of ACAS under section 199(1);

(b) the power of the Secretary of State under section 203(1)(a).

Unfair practices

116H

(1) Each of the parties informed by the CAC under paragraph 111(5) or 115(5) that an application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112 is accepted must refrain from using any unfair practice in relation to the application.

(2) A party uses an unfair practice if, with a view to influencing the outcome of the application, the party does any of the following—

(a) dismisses, or threatens to dismiss, a worker;

(b) takes, or threatens to take, disciplinary action against a worker;

(d) offers to pay money, or give money’s worth, to a relevant worker in return for the worker’s agreement to vote in a particular way, or to abstain from voting, in a relevant ballot;

(e) makes an outcome-specific offer to a relevant worker;

(f) coerces, or attempts to coerce, a relevant worker to disclose—

(i) whether the worker intends to vote, or to abstain from voting, in any relevant ballot, or

(ii) how the worker intends to vote, or has voted, in any relevant ballot;

(g) uses, or attempts to use, undue influence on a relevant worker.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2)—

(a) “relevant ballot” means any ballot that is or may be held in which workers are asked whether the bargaining arrangements should be ended, and

(b) “relevant worker” means any worker who is or would be entitled to vote in a relevant ballot.

(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(e) an “outcome-specific offer” is an offer to pay money, or give money’s worth, which—

(a) is conditional on—

(i) the issuing by the CAC of a declaration that the bargaining arrangements are to cease to have effect, or

(ii) the refusal by the CAC of an application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112, and

(b) is not conditional on anything which is done or occurs as a result of that declaration, or, as the case may be, of that refusal.

(5) For the purposes of this paragraph and paragraphs 116I to 116K as they apply in relation to an application under paragraph 112, references to a party are to be read as including references to the worker or workers making the application.

(6) The duty imposed by this paragraph does not confer any rights on a worker; but that does not affect any other right which a worker may have.

(7) Each of the following powers is to be taken to include power to issue Codes of Practice about unfair practices for the purposes of this paragraph—

(a) the power of ACAS under section 199(1);

(b) the power of the Secretary of State under section 203(1)(a).

116I

(1) A party may complain to the CAC that another party has failed to comply with paragraph 116H.

(2) A complaint under sub-paragraph (1) may not be made after—

(a) in the case of an application under paragraph 106 or 107, the application is withdrawn;

(b) in the case of an application under paragraph 112, an agreement or withdrawal as described in paragraph 116(1);

(d) the CAC notifies the union (or unions) of a declaration issued under paragraph 116E(5) or 116K(5) in relation to the application;

(e) if the CAC informs the union (or unions) under paragraph 117(11) of a ballot, the fifth working day after—

(i) the date of the ballot, or

(ii) if votes may be cast in the ballot on more than one day, the last of those days.

(3) Within the decision period the CAC must decide whether the complaint is well-founded.

(4) A complaint is well-founded if the CAC finds that the party complained against used an unfair practice.

(5) The decision period is—

(a) the period of 10 working days starting with the day after the day on which the complaint under sub-paragraph (1) was received by the CAC, or

(b) such longer period (so starting) as the CAC may specify to the parties by a notice containing reasons for the extension.

116J

(1) This paragraph applies if the CAC decides that a complaint under paragraph 116I is well-founded.

(2) The CAC must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, issue a declaration to that effect.

(3) The CAC may order the party concerned to take any action specified in the order within such period as may be so specified.

(4) Sub-paragraph (5) applies if the CAC has at any time informed the union (or unions) under paragraph 117(11) of a ballot in relation to the application (including a ballot that was cancelled or is ineffective).

(5) The CAC may make arrangements for the holding of a secret ballot in which the workers constituting the bargaining unit are asked whether the bargaining arrangements should be ended.

(6) The CAC may make an order under sub-paragraph (3), or make arrangements under sub-paragraph (5), either at the same time as it issues the declaration under sub-paragraph (2) or at any other time before any of the following occurs—

(a) in the case of an application under paragraph 106 or 107, the withdrawal of the application;

(b) in the case of an application under paragraph 112, an agreement or withdrawal as described in paragraph 116(1);

(d) the CAC notifying the union (or unions) of a declaration issued under paragraph 116E(5) or 116K(5) in relation to the application;

(e) if the CAC informs the union (or unions) under paragraph 117(11) of a ballot, the CAC acting under paragraph 121 in relation to the ballot.

(7) The action specified in an order under sub-paragraph (3) must be such as the CAC considers reasonable in order to mitigate the effect of the failure of the party concerned to comply with the duty imposed by paragraph 116H.

(8) The CAC may make more than one order under sub-paragraph (3).

116K

(1) Sub-paragraphs (4) to (7) apply if—

(a) the CAC issues a declaration under paragraph 116J(2) that a complaint that a party has failed to comply with paragraph 116H is well-founded,

(b) the application under paragraph 106, 107 or 112 has not been withdrawn or, in the case of an application under paragraph 112, there has been no agreement as described in paragraph 116(1),

(d) the CAC has not notified the union (or unions) of a declaration issued under paragraph 116E(5) or 116K(5) in relation to the application, and

(e) sub-paragraph (2) or (3) applies.

(2) This sub-paragraph applies if the declaration states that the unfair practice used consisted of or included—

(a) the use of violence, or

(b) the dismissal of a union official.

(3) This sub-paragraph applies if the CAC has made an order under paragraph 116J(3) and—

(a) it is satisfied that the party subject to the order has failed to comply with it, or

(b) it makes another declaration under paragraph 116J(2) in relation to a complaint against that party.

(4) If the party that has failed to comply is the employer, the CAC may—

(a) refuse the employer’s application under paragraph 106 or 107;

(b) order the employer to refrain from any campaigning in relation to an application under paragraph 112.

(5) If the party that has failed to comply is a union, the CAC may issue a declaration that the bargaining arrangements are to cease to have effect on a date specified by the CAC in the declaration; and the bargaining arrangements cease to have effect accordingly.

(6) If the party that has failed to comply is the worker making an application under paragraph 112 (or any of the workers making an application under paragraph 112), the CAC may refuse the application.

(7) The powers conferred by this paragraph are in addition to those conferred by paragraph 116J.

116L

(1) This paragraph applies if the CAC has made an order against the employer under paragraph 116J(3) or 116K(4)(b) in relation to an application under paragraph 112.

(2) The worker making the application (or each of the workers making the application) and the union (or each of the unions) are entitled to enforce obedience to the order.

(3) The order may be enforced—

(a) in England and Wales, in the same way as an order of the county court;

(b) in Scotland, in the same way as an order of the sheriff.

Access agreements

132A

Paragraphs 116A to 116E apply if the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 128 (as well as in the cases mentioned in paragraph 116A(1)), as if—

(a) the references in paragraphs 116A(1) and (4), 116B(1)(a), 116C(1)(a), 116D(1)(b) and 116E(1)(b) and (3)(b) to paragraph 106, 107 or 112 were to paragraph 106, 107, 112 or 128;

(b) the references in paragraphs 116A(3) and 116B(3)(a) to paragraph 111(5) or 115(5) were to paragraph 111(5), 115(5) or 132(5);

Unfair practices

132B

Paragraphs 116H to 116K apply if the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 128 (as well as in the cases mentioned in paragraph 116H), as if—

(a) the references in paragraphs 116H(1) and (4)(a)(ii) and 116K(1)(b) to paragraph 106, 107 or 112 were to paragraph 106, 107, 112 or 128;

(b) the reference in paragraph 116H(1) to paragraph 111(5) or 115(5) were to paragraph 111(5), 115(5) or 132(5);

(c) the references in paragraphs 116I(2)(a), 116J(6)(a) and 116K(4)(a) to paragraph 106 or 107 were to paragraph 106, 107 or 128.

Access agreements

146A

Paragraphs 116A to 116F apply if the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 137 (as well as in the cases mentioned in paragraph 116A(1)), as if—

(a) the references in paragraphs 116A(1) and (4), 116B(1)(a), 116C(1)(a), 116D(1)(b) and 116E(1)(b) and (3)(b) to paragraph 106, 107 or 112 were to paragraph 106, 107, 112 or 137;

(b) the references in paragraphs 116A(4)(b), 116E(4)(b) and 116F(1) to paragraph 112 were to paragraph 112 or 137;

(c) the references in paragraphs 116A(3) and 116B(3)(a) to paragraph 111(5) or 115(5) were to paragraph 111(5), 115(5) or 141(5);

(d) the reference in paragraph 116A(4)(b) to paragraph 116(1) were to paragraph 116(1), 142(1) or 145(3).

Unfair practices

146B

Paragraphs 116H to 116L apply if the CAC accepts an application under paragraph 137 (as well as in the cases mentioned in paragraph 116H), as if—

(a) the references in paragraphs 116H(1) and (4)(a)(ii) and 116K(1)(b) to paragraph 106, 107 or 112 were to paragraph 106, 107, 112 or 137;

(b) the reference in paragraph 116H(1) to paragraph 111(5) or 115(5) were to paragraph 111(5), 115(5) or 141(5);

(c) the references in paragraphs 116H(5), 116I(2)(b), 116J(6)(b), 116K(1)(b), (4)(b) and (6) and 116L(1) to paragraph 112 were to paragraph 112 or 137;

(d) the references in paragraphs 116I(2)(b) and 116J(6)(b) to paragraph 116(1) were to paragraph 116(1), 142(1) or 145(3).

“The required percentage”

171B

(1) In this Schedule, “the required percentage” means 10%.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this paragraph so that the required percentage is a percentage—

(a) not greater than 10%, and

(b) not less than 2%.

(3) Regulations under sub-paragraph (2)—

(a) are to be made by statutory instrument;

(b) may include supplementary, incidental, saving or transitional provision, including provision amending this Schedule;

(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under sub-paragraph (2) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

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