This article forms part of our dedicated Employment Rights Act Hub, bringing together the latest legal updates, implementation tracker, practical guidance and resources across every key reform. Explore the wider picture and stay informed as the changes continue to develop.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 (the Act) is being brought into force in stages through commencement regulations. Several earlier tranches took effect during 2026, including measures commenced on 6 January, 6 April and 1 October 2026.
The latest commencement regulations were made on 1 October 2026. They are the sixth set of commencement regulations under the Act.
From 30 October 2026, employers will have to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. This is a higher standard than the current duty. On the same date, the Act also introduces liability for failing to prevent harassment of employees by third parties, such as customers or suppliers. These changes require employers to consider the practical risks arising from workplace interactions, rather than focusing exclusively on conduct between colleagues.
Several trade union measures also take effect on 30 October 2026. Unions will have a statutory right of trade unions to access workplaces. Access is agreed with the employer following a formal request, and the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) can decide terms if the...
[OSEN=Choi Lee-jung Reporter] As past remarks by singer Yang Hong-won expressing his dislike of infidelity resurface, reactions continue to grow that the recent 'motel infidelity allegations' agai...