What is a trade union access request?

A trade union access request to the workplace location, is a formal notification sent by a union to an employer under the Employment Rights Act 2026. It triggers a strict timeline: the employer has 15 working days to respond and a 25-day negotiation period to agree on how and when the union will meet with staff.

If the employer doesn't allow access, then the trade union can report it to a governing body which could lead to the employer being fined.