Can our employer refuse to pay us for when we were on strike?

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The Employment Rights Act introduces major reforms to UK employment law, with changes being implemented in stages from December 2025 through to 2027.

Employment Rights Act

Published date

16 Dec 2025

Although refusal to pay wages would normally be an unlawful deduction of wages, a failure to pay wages for days that a worker was on strike is specifically exempted. It is lawful for your employer to deduct pay for the days you were on strike. 

The amount to be deducted may be specified in your employment contract or a collective agreement. 

Your union may have organised a strike fund to support members taking industrial action. 

Note: This content is provided as general background information and should not be taken as legal advice or financial advice for your particular situation. Make sure to get individual advice on your case from your union, a source on our free help page or an independent financial advisor before taking any action.

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