Part I Trade Unions
Chapter VI Application of funds for political objects
The political fund
F184Contributions to political fund from members of the union
(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an opt-in notice given by the member has been withdrawn in accordance with subsection (2).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to the political fund of a trade union, means a member who has given to the union an opt-in notice that has not been withdrawn.