The Trade Union Bill is legislation still going through parliament. There is a new clause in it (clause 14) about prohibition on public sector employee’s check off service. The check-off is the terminology used in relation to employers making deductions from salaries for union subscriptions.

The Trade Union Bill is legislation still going through parliament. There is a new clause in it (clause 14) about prohibition on public sector employee’s check off service. The check-off is the terminology used in relation to employers making deductions from salaries for union subscriptions.

 Essentially what the Government are intending is to ban this happening in the public sector and in other organisations where the functions are of a public nature. The reasons for this are a little unclear , greater transparency, reducing administrative burden on employers etc. Of course the unions will see this as a further attack by the Government on trade unions. It has already started to happen in areas of the Civil Service and will affect the NHS, Councils, Fire and Rescue, Schools and Academies. The legislation is still being developed but expect to see something in place in 2016 which in all likelihood will be fully effective in 2017.

It may not happen but I think the reality is, it will. Watch this space for further information.