The Employment Rights Act 2025 – the coming months summarised
You will be aware that just before Christmas, the Employment Rights Bill was passed and became an act of law, known as the new Employment Rights Act 2025. We have further clarity on some of the reforms that we had been told would come into force ‘soon after the Bill’ would pass. Listed below is a […]
February Trade Union Reforms – A Guide for SME’s
As a small business owner, navigating the shifting landscape of industrial relations can feel daunting. The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces the first phase of significant reforms on 18 February 2026. These changes are designed to modernise trade union laws but also represent a shift in the balance of power that SMEs need to understand. […]
Important Employment Rights Bill update
As we prepare this month’s newsletter, the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is approaching the final stages of becoming law and is widely expected to be enacted as the Employment Rights Act 2025. Since our previous update, there has been a notable change to the proposed ‘Day 1’ protection from unfair dismissal. Rather than a complete […]
Employment Bills progressing through Parliament
The following information provides an employment law timeline and includes details of proposed developments that businesses need to be aware of in the months ahead. Bullying and Respect at Work Bill This private members Bill if passed, would introduce a statutory definition of bullying at work. In addition, it would make a provision relating to bullying at work that includes […]
The end of fire and rehire? Navigating ‘restricted variations’
Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, the practice of “fire and rehire” (dismissal and re-engagement) will become automatically unfair in almost all circumstances.
Navigating trade union reforms: A practical guide for all employers
The relationship between employers and trade unions is entering its most transformative phase since the 1980s, and, as an SME business owner, navigating the shifting landscape of industrial relations can feel daunting.
Probation in practice: What employers must do to stay compliant and avoid costly risks
Probationary periods will become an even more critical part of the employment lifecycle. Your probation clauses may effectively serve as your first line of defence if a role does not work out.
The New Unfair Dismissal Era: What Employers Must Know
For decades, the “two-year rule” has acted as a safety net for UK employers, providing a window to assess staff without the risk of an ordinary unfair dismissal claim. From 1 January 2027, that safety net will be removed.
Autumn Statement 2025
This week’s Autumn Statement is more than a routine fiscal update; for the UK’s 5.6 million employing SMEs, it places the economic context firmly at the centre of their preparations for implementing the wide-ranging reforms within the Employment Rights Bill. This article explores the fiscal environment in which SMEs must consider implementing the forthcoming reforms, […]
Parental leave and pay review: update
In June 2025, the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) published its report, “Equality at work: Paternity and shared parental leave.” This report followed a December 2024 call for evidence and forms part of the WEC’s ‘Equality at work’ inquiry, aligning with the Labour Manifesto’s commitment to enhancing family-friendly rights. The report set out numerous recommendations to fix the “broken system” […]
Fair pay agreement process in adult social care
One of the reforms in the Employment Rights Bill is the introduction of a Fair Pay Agreement in the adult social care sector. For this to be introduced, the Government must first conduct a public consultation, where on conclusion, the responses will be analysed and used to inform policy development. On 30 September, a new […]
2026 Statutory Sick Pay: Is your business ready?
Set for April 2026, major Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) reforms will extend eligibility to an estimated 1.3 million more employees. This significant change will inevitably raise employer costs and increase the administrative burden of absence management, particularly for SMEs, which make up 99% of all UK businesses and will face the heaviest financial impact.
Trade Union Reforms Expected Soon
According to the Government’s roadmap for delivering their Plan to Make Work Pay, the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) will be implemented in at least four phases, the first one being at or soon after the Bill receives Royal Assent. This means the first round of changes could come into effect as early as the end […]
New deal for working people: Planning for change
With major employment law changes ahead in 2026, this webinar explores key steps to help businesses plan for change.
Employment Rights Bill Latest – 5 September 2025
Parliament returned after its summer recess this week, and yesterday, 4 September, the Employment Rights Bill (the ERB) completed its progress through the House of Lords and returned to the House of Commons for consideration of the amendments that the House of Lords had agreed. This is the last step in the process before the […]
Timetable for public consultations announced
Timetable for public consultations announced Many of the reforms set out in the Employment Rights Bill will require either further legislation or the development of new/existing Codes of Practice. As such, a key stage in the implementation process is to consult on the detail of policy and implementation for the changes proposed. In the Government’s […]
Employment Rights Bill update!
With Parliament now finished for the summer, it is likely to be September/October that the Employment Rights Bill is given Royal Assent. We already have a commitment from the Government as to what will be introduced and when, as described in their roadmap for delivering change (read our full article for further information and find […]
New deal for working people: Protecting the business from tribunal claims
In this webinar we explore types of dismissal and how the new day 1 right may impact tribunal claims under the Employment Rights Bill.
What is the meaning of ‘sex’ under the Equality Act 2010?
The Supreme Court has delivered its ruling today in the highly technical case of ‘For Women Scotland Ltd (appellant) v The Scottish Ministers (Respondent)’, in which it gives its judgement on the meaning of the term ‘sex’ for the purpose of the Equality Act 2010. Overview of the legal issues The Gender Recognition Act 2004 […]
What’s Happening with the Employment Rights Bill?
Current Status of the Employment Rights Bill 2025 The Employment Rights Bill 2025 has now completed its progress through the House of Commons and has been transferred to the House of Lords for the continuation of its passage through Parliament. According to the latest legal commentary, there is a prediction that the Bill could receive […]