The Government has announced its intention to abolish the practice of ‘check off’ union subscription payments across all public sector organisations. Under the check off process, many public sector workers who are union members have their subscriptions taken directly from their salary, administered by their employer.

The Government take the view that: (i) the practice was introduced at a time when many people didn’t have bank accounts, and before direct debits or digital payments existed; (ii) the abolition will remove the burden of administration from the employer; and (iii) the move gives employees greater control over their subscription, allowing them to set up their own direct debit.

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