Your rights when taking part in industrial action

What's changing

From 18 February 2026, you are protected from unfair dismissal for taking part in industrial action, whatever the length of the strike action.

Key changes

• The ‘12 week cap’ on protection from unfair dismissal for taking part in industrial action has been removed.
• The protection now applies whatever the length of the strike action.
• The same protection applies to both strike and action short of strike.

What this means for you

You can take industrial action without fear of being dismissed by your employer for your participation in that industrial action.

What you can do now

You do not need to do anything to benefit from this right.

Where these changes apply

The trade union measures apply in England, Scotland and Wales. They do not apply in Northern Ireland, where legislation relating to trade union law is devolved.

Where to get help

Find out more about your rights when taking part in industrial action and strikesopens www.gov.uk in a new tab.

Further information is also available on unfair dismissalopens www.acas.org.uk in a new tab and industrial actionopens www.acas.org.uk in a new tab.