E-balloting review underway

A call for evidence on electronic balloting for strike ballots has been issued by the government. 


The review — made as a concession to speed through the passage of the Trade Union Act 2016 — is being conducted by Sir Ken Knight, the former Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor for England.


Industrial action votes are currently required to be conducted through fully postal ballots. The TUC believes allowing union members the choice to use smart phones and computers to engage in voting would raise turnouts. 


The terms of reference for the review include taking account of:


• the electronic and physical security of e-balloting methods;


• if any system can safeguard against risk of intimidation of union members and protect anonymity of ballot responses;


• the security and resilience of existing balloting of union members; and


• the aims of the Trade Union Act 2016 to ensure strikes and related disruption to the public only happen as a result of a clear, positive decision by those entitled to vote.


The consultation document is published by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the closing date for responses is midnight on 10 May 2017.


www.gov.uk/government/consultations/electronic-balloting-for-industrial-action-knight-review-call-for-evidence