Lobbying Act

The requirement for unions to have their membership records verified via an annual Membership Audit Certificate (MAC) comes into force this month.

A government consultation on the requirement, contained in Part 3 of the lobbying Act, resulted in no material change, despite widespread reservations about the plan among trade unions.

For unions with more than 10,000 members, the MAC will have to be completed by a qualified independent assurer, appointed by the union, whereas smaller unions will be able to self-certify their MAC.

The rules apply from unions’ first reporting years which begin on or after 6 April 2015.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/412221/bis-14-142-guidance-on-trade-union-register-of-members.pdf