Changes to Deduction of contributions at source (DOCAS) regulations
Following the Employment Rights Bill receiving Royal Assent in December 2025, changes are being made to the DOCAS regulations in the public sector.
Deduction of contributions at source (DOCAS) or also known as 'check-off', is the practice of a worker paying their union subscriptions by having them deducted from their pay by their employer at source and then paid to the relevant trade union.
Changes from the 18 February 2026
- Section 63 of the Employment Rights Act 2025 repeals the restriction on 'check-off' in the public sector which means that employers who do not currently provide a ‘check off’ may be requested to do so from a recognised trade union.
- Section 63 of the Employment Rights Act 2025 confirms that trade unions will not have to offer an alternative payment method to members.
- Trade unions no longer need to reimburse employers for administrative costs unless a separate, private agreement for reimbursement exists outside the now-revoked statutory requirements.
- The Trade Union (Deduction of Union Subscriptions from Wages in the Public Sector) Regulations 2024 were automatically revoked.
Actions for employers
DOCAS and the provision of membership data can be seen as part of the employer’s commitment to collective bargaining and the partnership relationships described in the NHS Social Partnership Forum agreement and the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook.
Employers will need to review their current DOCAS processes and ensure compliance with the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Further information
- Further guidance can be found on the Department for Business and Trade website.
- Further information on the Employment Rights Act 2025.
