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  • The advent of new Employment rights and obligations: The Employment Rights Act 2025 - Fieldfisher

The advent of new Employment rights and obligations: The Employment Rights Act 2025 - Fieldfisher

by Ranjit Dhindsa
Thu, Dec 18, 2025 11:21 ET
in Press Release

The Employment Rights Bill has today been granted Royal Assent. It represents the most significant overhaul of UK employment law in a generation. Its phased implementation from 2026 through 2027 will introduce sweeping changes to employee rights, employer obligations, and workplace culture. A government roadmap published on 1 July 2025 sets out the delivery phases.

Below, we outline the key measures by implementation date, assess the likely impact on employers, and provide practical steps for HR and leadership teams to prepare to meet the challenges and requirements of the new law.

Key changes

  • Along with other changes, it will be easier for trade unions to incite industrial action from April 2026, and some policies will need to be updated.
  • 2027 will see the most significant changes:
    • Unfair dismissal protections will be significantly strengthened from January 2027, protecting anyone with service commencing on or before 1 July 2026;
    • Zero hours contract reforms will take effect in 2027. Whilst further details are outstanding, guaranteed hours offers will be required to be made to qualifying workers.
    • Rights of access for trade unions will be significantly expanded, with the aim of increasing trade union recognition.

Key actions

  • Employers can take steps to prepare, including:
    • Auditing and updating policies and procedures, including relating to dismissal, probation, redundancy, whistleblowing, harassment and family friendly policies.
    • Reviewing zero hours and...


Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilAFBVV95cUxQM29CdDE3Zm5XNi1ybVNXRXhQ...


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