Employers should be prepared to comply with a new law that overhauls workplace rights in the United Kingdom. The first provisions took effect when the act received Royal Assent in December, and additional requirements are being phased-in over a two-year period. Here’s an overview of key provisions that just rolled out in February, as well as a few slated for April this year – plus the top compliance steps employers should consider taking now.
Measures in Effect Prior to 2026
Repeal of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023
The act removes the ability of employers in six key sectors (including emergency services, education, and transport) to require minimum staffing levels during strikes. This essentially means employers in those sectors can no longer mandate a baseline level of service during lawful strike action.
Measures That Just Took Effect on February 18, 2026
Expanded Protection Against Dismissal for Strike Participation
The act removes the prior 12-week limit on protection from dismissal for employees participating in lawful strike action (which is referred to as “industrial action” in the UK). Regardless of how long a strike lasts, any dismissal connected to an employee’s participation in lawful strike activity will be automatically considered an unfair practice under UK law.
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