The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Act) is one of the most comprehensive pieces of employment legislation in recent years. The Act introduces a range of reforms that will be initially rolled out in three phases throughout 2026. For further information on the detail of the Act, please see our dedicated tracker.
The first tranche of changes under the Act took effect on Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, with further provisions coming into force over the following two months. These early changes focus on industrial relations and include the repeal of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023. The Act also strengthens protections for employees participating in industrial action.
The second phase, beginning in April 2026, marks the start of the more substantive reforms.
One of the key changes is the reform to statutory sick pay (SSP). The Act will remove the lower earnings limit, as well as making SSP payable from the first day of an employee’s absence. The right to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave will also be available from the first day of employment eliminating the previous minimum service requirements.
The Act will also enhance whistleblowing protections by explicitly confirming that disclosures regarding sexual harassment are protected disclosures.
Trade union recognition processes will be simplified, making it easier for unions to gain formal...
MANILA, Philippines — National Maritime Council (NMC) chief Alexander Lopez does not see the need to repeatedly rebut the several claims of Beijing’s embassy in Manila. Chinese Embassy Deputy Spok...