A by-election candidate from the Reform UK party has stated the party's intention to place public sector unions "under review," a comment made as the party engages in various electoral contests. This declaration emerges as Reform UK faces local elections and by-elections, seeking to expand its influence. The statement has drawn a response from UNISON, a major public service trade union, which has publicly defended workers' rights in the run-up to the May elections.
Political Landscape and Electoral Dynamics
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is actively participating in upcoming local council and mayoral elections. Recent polling indicates the party leading in certain mayoral contests, and projections suggest potential gains in councillors and control of some local government bodies. This electoral push coincides with ongoing discussions and governmental actions regarding trade union reforms. The Employment Rights Bill (ERB), currently progressing through Parliament, includes measures that would introduce new rights for workers and trade unions. Reform UK has reportedly voted against provisions within this bill, a stance that UNISON has highlighted in its campaign efforts.
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Mayoral Contests: Reform UK is vying for mayoral positions in areas like Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire.
Local Elections: The party anticipates winning hundreds of council seats and potentially taking control of local authorities.
Parliamentary Action: Reform UK's voting record on the Employment Rights Bill has become a point of contention with trade unions.
UNISON's Defense of Workers' Rights
UNISON has initiated campaigns to inform voters about Reform UK's stance on employment matters. The union asserts that Reform UK has consistently voted against new worker and trade union rights included in the Employment Rights Bill. This action by UNISON aims to counter what they describe as Reform UK's efforts to appeal to trade union members while simultaneously opposing legislation designed to enhance worker protections.
Reform UK's Position: Accused by UNISON of voting against the Employment Rights Bill.
UNISON's Strategy: Actively campaigning to remind voters of Reform UK's record on workers' rights.
Nigel Farage's Role: The party leader is noted for attempting to gain support from trade union members.
Trade Union Reform Consultations
Parallel to the electoral activities, the government has been engaged in consultations concerning trade union reforms. These consultations cover aspects such as:
Statutory Rights: Proposals include a duty to inform workers of their right to join a union and new rights of access for unions.
Balloting: Consultations are underway regarding electronic and workplace balloting methods for trade unions.
Collective Bargaining: Changes aim to make it easier for unions to compel employers into collective bargaining.
These governmental actions indicate a period of flux and potential change within the framework governing trade unions and their relationship with employers.
Contrasting Political Stances
The approach of Reform UK towards public sector unions is contrasted with proposals from other political parties. For instance, Labour has put forth plans to introduce statutory rights for trade union equality representatives and strengthen unions' right of entry to workplaces for organizing purposes. The Conservatives, on the other hand, have not proposed new developments for trade union representatives, suggesting a continuation of existing rights and protections.
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| Party | Stance on Union Rights |
|---|---|
| Reform UK | Candidate suggests placing public unions "under review." Voted against Employment Rights Bill. |
| UNISON | Defending workers' rights; campaigning against Reform UK's perceived anti-worker stance. |
| Labour | Proposes statutory rights for equality reps; strengthening right of entry. |
| Conservatives | No new proposals for union representatives; likely to maintain existing rights. |
Labour Party Internal Matters
In a separate political development, the Labour party has faced internal challenges concerning candidate selection for a by-election. The party's national executive committee blocked Andy Burnham from standing, citing concerns about the potential destabilization and cost of a by-election to replace him as Mayor of Greater Manchester. While the party expressed confidence in retaining the mayoral position, the decision was framed as a move to avoid risking Labour's control of the region.
NEC Decision: Blocked Andy Burnham from a by-election candidacy.
Reasoning: To avoid destabilizing the Greater Manchester mayoralty.
Party Statement: Emphasized protecting Labour's control of the region.
Conclusion and Future Considerations
The political discourse surrounding trade unions and workers' rights is active, influenced by both ongoing legislative processes and electoral campaigns. Reform UK's stated intention to review public sector unions, coupled with their voting record on employment legislation, has placed them at odds with major trade unions like UNISON. As local and potential by-elections unfold, the electorate will be presented with differing visions for the role of unions and the rights of workers. The government's ongoing consultations on trade union reforms add another layer to this evolving landscape. The implications of these varied stances and actions on the future of industrial relations remain a subject of observation.
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Sources Used:
Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/871b5f86-83c3-4dc6-b56f-d65f68563d8c - Provided the initial report on the Reform UK candidate's statement.
UNISON National: https://unison.org.uk/news/article/2025/04/unison-defends-workers-rights-ahead-of-may-elections/ - Detailed UNISON's defense of workers' rights and criticism of Reform UK's voting record.
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/25/andy-burnham-blocked-from-byelection-race-by-labour-ruling-committee - Reported on internal Labour party decisions regarding candidate selection.
Chambers and Partners: https://chambers.com/articles/trade-union-reforms-what-the-erb-and-3-new-consultations-mean-for-employers-and-unions - Provided information on government consultations regarding trade union reforms.
Politico: https://www.politico.eu/article/nigel-farage-reform-uk-local-elections-populism/ - Offered context on Reform UK's electoral performance and ambitions.
Risk and Compliance (Freshfields): https://riskandcompliance.freshfields.com/post/102ja4w/uk-election-trade-unions-how-do-the-policies-compare - Outlined and compared trade union policies of different political parties.
