(1)It is unlawful to require a member of a trade union to make a contribution to the political fund of a trade union if—
(a)the member has not given to the union notice of the member's willingness to contribute to that fund (an “opt-in notice”); or
(b)an opt-in notice given by the member has been withdrawn in accordance with subsection (2).
(2)A member of a trade union who has given an opt-in notice may withdraw that notice by giving notice to the union (a “withdrawal notice”).
(3)A withdrawal notice takes effect at the end of the period of one month beginning with the day on which it is given.
(4)A member of a trade union may give an opt-in notice or a withdrawal notice—
(a)by delivering it (either personally or by an authorised agent or by post) at the head office or a branch office of the union;
(b)by sending it by e-mail to an address that the union has told its members can be used for sending such notices;
(c)by completing an electronic form provided by the union which sets out the notice, and sending it to the union by electronic means in accordance with instructions given by the union; or
(d)by such other electronic means as may be prescribed.
(5)In this Act “contributor”, in relation to the political fund of a trade union, means a member who has given to the union an opt-in notice that has not been withdrawn.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 84 substituted (5.12.2016 for specified purposes, 1.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Trade Union Act 2016 (c. 15), ss. 11(1), 25(1) (with s. 11(5)); S.I. 2016/1170, reg. 2(b); S.I. 2017/139, reg. 2(i)