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Home / Legal / UK Government drops mandatory digital ID for workers but advances digital right-to-work checks and e-balloting reforms
UK Government drops mandatory digital ID for workers but advances digital right-to-work checks and e-balloting reforms

UK Government drops mandatory digital ID for workers but advances digital right-to-work checks and e-balloting reforms

2026-01-13  Ian Fleming

UK Government has published a new draft Code of Practice and opened a consultation on introducing electronic (e-balloting) and workplace voting methods. This change is part of the wider pro-union reforms within the Employment Rights Bill. Currently, many important union ballots—including those for industrial action – must be conducted by post. The proposed changes aim to modernise this process and increase member participation by introducing three new voting methods: Fully digital electronic balloting for industrial action and internal union matters. Hybrid balloting, where voting materials are posted, but members can choose to vote by post or electronically. This would also apply to statutory recognition ballots. Workplace balloting, specifically for industrial action ballots only. Crucially, postal voting will remain the default option. Before using any new method, the union or the independent scrutineer overseeing the vote must carefully consider several factors, with security being paramount.


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