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Trade Union Workplace Access
22 October 2025
Lead MP
Andy McDonald
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Lab
Responding Minister
Kate Dearden
Tags
EconomyEmployment
Word Count: 4030
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Andy McDonald raised concerns about trade union workplace access in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I very much welcome the Employment Rights Bill for establishing statutory procedures for union access, which will allow unions and employers to negotiate access agreements, permitting union representatives to enter workplaces for recruitment, organisation, support of members and potentially collective bargaining. The Bill will require employers to respond within a defined negotiation period, with the CAC empowered to determine access terms where agreement cannot be reached.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The problem of trade union access to workplaces is long-standing. Employers have often restricted union representatives from entering their sites, particularly in high-profile industrial settings. For example, the GMB’s attempt to access Amazon’s Coventry warehouse during its recognition ballot was met with resistance.
Knowsley
The hon. Member agreed that trade union access will increase collective bargaining, which drives up pay and conditions for constituents.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
The hon. Member agreed that better trade union access would improve working conditions and staff retention in sectors facing recruitment and retention crises, ultimately benefiting good employers.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
The hon. Member commended the University and College Union for its support, and condemned those organisations who refuse union access for vital work.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
The hon. Member agreed with his friend's point about digital access, noting that individuals should have the opportunity to speak to a trade union or union representative in the workplace or digitally. Asked whether lawbreakers and bad employers should be allowed to price in any breaking of the law to the detriment of people in the workplace.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member shared a personal story about joining a trade union at age 20, emphasizing that being a member of a trade union is one of the better decisions he has ever made.
Kate Dearden
Con
Delyn
The MP echoed the sentiment of collaboration between unions and employers, stating that the Employment Rights Bill was a positive step forward for workers, employers, and the economy. She emphasised that the new right of access would deliver for everyone while ensuring responsible and regulated union activity.
Laurence Turner
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
The hon. Member discussed the importance of having a strong general statutory right of access, complemented by an enhanced right of access under the forthcoming fair pay agreement in social care.
Rachael Maskell
Ind
York Central
Supported the need for digital access directly with workers without employer oversight and emphasized the importance of free communication between unions and workers.
Government Response
Kate Dearden
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Government Response
Welcomed contributions on the Employment Rights Bill, emphasised the importance of strengthening collective bargaining rights and trade union recognition. Explained details of a new right of access to workplaces for trade unions under the Bill, highlighted forthcoming public consultation on the policy including enforcement measures and fines for non-compliance. Announced production of a code of practice for the policy to support smooth implementation.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.