Law queries

We are about to organise an industrial action ballot. What notice do we have to give our employer?

To ensure that the ballot is lawful you have first to give your employer at least seven days' notice in writing of your intention to hold the ballot. You have to say when you think it will begin and describe who will be asked to vote. No later than three days before the ballot begins you have to send your employer a copy of the ballot paper. As soon as possible after the ballot you have to give your employer the result. After giving the result, and at least seven days before the date when the action is due to begin, you have to notify your employer in writing of the action being taken. You also have to give information on who is being called on to take the action, when it will begin and say that this is a notice under section 234 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

* More information: LRD booklet, The law at work 2001, £8.95