UK union recognition: simple majority from 6 April 2026

From 6 April 2026, the UK’s statutory union recognition process changes. The Central Arbitration Committee confirms unions no longer need to show that most workers in the proposed bargaining unit are likely to support recognition, and recognition ballots now require only a simple majority of votes cast, removing the old 40% support rule. (gov.uk)

Quick refresher: union recognition is when an employer agrees-voluntarily or after a legal application-to negotiate pay, hours and holidays with a union for a defined ‘bargaining unit’. In statutory cases, the CAC can decide disputes and award recognition if legal tests are met. (gov.uk)

Evidence stage: petitions and pledge cards have been retired. Unions are no longer required to demonstrate likely majority support at the point of applying, shifting attention to the formal request and, where needed, a ballot. (gov.uk)

What counts in a ballot is now straightforward: more ‘yes’ than ‘no’. The extra requirement that ‘yes’ votes must equal at least 40% of everyone in the bargaining unit has been scrapped. (gov.uk)

Paperwork has changed too. The CAC’s Part 1 Application and the Employer Response have been updated and must be used for any new application from 00:00 on 6 April 2026; applications missing the required request letter or employer response will be rejected. (gov.uk)

Let’s test with numbers. In a 200‑person unit, 90 people vote: 47 ‘yes’, 43 ‘no’. Today, recognition is granted because ‘yes’ has a simple majority of votes cast. Under the previous 40% rule, those 47 ‘yes’ votes (23.5% of the unit) would not have sufficed.

Terms you’ll meet in class or at work: a ‘bargaining unit’ is the slice of the workforce the union wants to represent-by job type, location or team. The CAC is the independent body that runs this process. A ‘request letter’ is the union’s formal invitation to the employer to recognise it.

If you’re revising for an exam or supporting colleagues, focus on three steps: be precise about the bargaining unit in your request; keep clean records of communications; and prepare neutral information for staff if a ballot is ordered, so people can vote with confidence.

For official wording and the latest forms, check the CAC’s GOV.UK notice dated 6 April 2026 for the updated Part 1 application and employer response forms. Use these versions, or your application may be rejected. (gov.uk)