Picketing

Updating author: Nick Chronias, DAC Beachcroft

Brightmine editor: Laura Merrylees

Summary

• The relevant areas of law applying to picketing take an overlapping and contradictory approach. (See What is picketing?)
• The common law provides that picketing may generate liability for trespass or nuisance or possibly for harassment. (See What is picketing?)
• Pickets run the risk of incurring liability for civil damages or even criminal law. (See Civil and criminal liability)
• The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 legitimises "peaceful picketing" outside the picket's workplace. (See What is picketing?)