Trade Union Reforms: What Adult Social Care Providers Need to Know

Trade union legislation has undergone significant changes in 2026, with further reforms expected in 2027. These changes have important implications for adult social care providers, affecting workplace access for trade unions, recognition processes, industrial action, and the rights of workers and trade union representatives.

Care England’s member briefing provides an overview of the changes, explains what is already in force and what is still to come, and explores the practical implications for care providers.

The briefing highlights what providers need to do to prepare, including responding to statutory workplace access requests, reviewing existing industrial relations arrangements, and planning for the new duty to inform workers of their right to join a trade union from January 2027. It also considers the particular challenges of implementing these changes in care settings, where providers must balance statutory rights with safeguarding and the continuity of care.

Access the briefing here.