TUC Equality Audit 2026
The passing of the Employment Rights Act into law in December 2025 was a seismic moment for the trade union movement. A new raft of protections for workers, across all industries and sectors, marked a step-change for unions both in terms of enhancing workers’ rights as well as our ability to organise and grow our movement.
At the heart of this new legislation is an opportunity for our movement to address the inequalities workers face in the labour market today. Precarious, insecure work – where women and Black workers are disproportionately represented – will be curbed, bringing in certainty and stability for those who need it most. New day one rights to sick pay, parental leave and new requirements about handling flexible working requests will support working parents, carers and disabled workers. And statutory rights for trade union equality representatives being introduced later this year will strengthen collective bargaining but also provide new organising opportunities across our movement.
This year’s equality audit focuses on what steps unions have taken in the last four years to promote equality in their membership, structures and processes, and to ensure they reflect the diversity of our membership. Building a diverse movement, that is reflective of our membership across all levels, is a crucial strategic priority for the TUC and something I have prioritised since becoming general secretary in 2023.
The findings of this audit show that as a movement we need to focus our efforts on organising young workers specifically. The future of our movement rests on our ability to build a diverse pipeline of future leaders. Investing in robust, inclusive structures is a key challenge for affiliates, but one which the TUC is ready to support.
For this audit, we also asked affiliates additional questions on the work they’re doing to counter the rise of the far and populist right in workplaces. In this report, you’ll see some really positive examples of unions rolling out comprehensive training, delivering impactful campaigns that reiterate the power of unions to improve working conditions for our members, and undertaking specific organising activity which grows our movement and underlines our principles or solidarity and equality.
With populist political actors claiming to stand for workers, while simultaneously attacking our hard-won rights, it’s vital that unions are able to effectively communicate the positive impact we have. Our challenge is to ensure that this work reaches all of our members; on the shop floor, in our public services, in industrial heartlands and for those working in the gig economy. Through our Unity Works campaign, we’ve been celebrating the rights trade unions have won, but also challenging our movement to unite around our calls for strong public services, fair taxes and secure, decent work that pays.
I hope you’ll find this report inspiring and motivating. We have a huge opportunity to grow our movement, ensuring equality is at the heart of what we fight for.
Paul Nowak
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