Section 84

For the purposes of this Act, a member of a trade union is a “contributor” to the political fund of the union unless an opt-out notice given by the member to the union has effect (see subsection (3)). An “opt-out notice” is a notice that the member opts out of being a contributor. An opt-out notice has effect on and after the relevant day unless the member withdraws the notice. In subsection (3), “the relevant day” means— in a case where— the day on which the opt-out notice is given; a political resolution is passed on a ballot held at a time when no such resolution is in force, and the opt-out notice is given before the end of the period of four weeks beginning with the day on which an opt-out information notice is given to the member under section 84A, in any other case, the earlier of— a day specified in, or determined in accordance with, the rules of the union, and 1 January in the year following the year in which the opt-out notice is given. A member of a trade union withdraws an opt-out notice by giving the union notice of the withdrawal (a “withdrawal notice”). A member of a trade union may give an opt-out notice or a withdrawal notice— by delivering it (either personally or by an authorised agent or by post) at the head office or a branch office of the union; by sending it by email to an address that the union has told its members can be used for sending such notices; 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; by such other electronic means as may be prescribed. The Secretary of State must, before the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, publish guidance about the kind of provision which the Secretary of State considers it is appropriate for the rules of a trade union to make for the purposes of subsection (4)(b)(i). The Secretary of State— may from time to time revise guidance published under subsection (7); must publish any revisions of that guidance.

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Source: legislation.gov.uk · retrieved 2026-09-04