Shop Clubs Act, 1902

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Employer not to require workman to join shop club, &c.

59 & 60 Vict. c. 25.

2. It shall be an offence under this Act if an employer shall make it a condition of employment that any workman shall join a shop club or thrift fund, unless the shop club or thrift fund is registered under the Friendly Societies Act, 1896, subject to the provisions of this Act, and certified under this Act by the Registrar of Friendly Societies.

No shop club or thrift fund shall be so certified unless the Registrar of Friendly Societies is satisfied—

(a) That the shop club or thrift fund is one that affords to the workman benefits of a substantial kind, in the form of contributions or benefits at the cost of the employer in addition to those provided by the contributions of the workman;

(b) That the shop club or thrift fund is of a permanent character and is not a society that annually or periodically divides its funds, and that no member of such shop club or thrift fund shall, except in accordance with the provisions of section six of this Act, be required to cease his membership in such shop club or thrift fund upon leaving the firm with which such club or fund is connected.

Before so certifying any shop club or thrift fund, the Registrar shall take steps to ascertain the views of the workmen, and shall be satisfied that at least seventy-five per cent. of the workmen desire the establishment of such shop club or thrift fund, and further shall consider any objections that they may make to the certification.