Employment Rights Bill
Over the past year I’ve had more conversations about the Employment Rights Act 2025 than almost any other change in employment law. There’s a lot of noise, a lot of headlines, and understandably a lot of concern from employers who want to do the right thing but aren’t quite sure what applies yet and what doesn’t. This article is designed to do one thing: explain clearly and calmly where we are now, what changes are coming, and when employers actually…
If you have been following the progress of the Employment Rights Bill, you will know it moved through Parliament at pace over these last few weeks. The Bill has now completed all Parliamentary stages and received Royal Assent, meaning it is now law as the Employment Rights Act. What matters most for employers is that the changes will not take effect all at once. The Government has confirmed that implementation will be phased, with many of the key reforms introduced…
Does the Employment Rights Act 2025 apply to small businesses? Yes. The Employment Rights Act 2025 applies to employers of all sizes, including SMEs and micro-businesses. While some obligations may feel more onerous for smaller employers, there is no general exemption based on headcount. In practice, smaller businesses are often more exposed because they rely on informal processes, flexible working arrangements, or undocumented practices, all of which are likely to come under greater scrutiny as enforcement increases. Will employers need…
The Employment Rights Bill has been moving through Parliament for what feels like an eternity, and many business owners have understandably struggled to keep track of where things stand. The political back-and-forth has been intense, with the Bill caught in a legislative tug of war between the House of Commons and the House of Lords. But at long last, we have clarity on one of the most important and controversial aspects of the reforms: unfair dismissal rights. The Government has…
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Employment Rights Bill (ERB), you’ll know that it’s been bouncing back and forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords for some time now. This “ping-pong” is a perfectly normal part of the legislative process when the two Houses struggle to agree on the final shape of a Bill. But for employers trying to plan ahead, it does leave us all watching closely, and waiting. Key Areas of Disagreement…
The Employment Rights Bill 2026 will bring some of the most significant changes to family-friendly employment law in recent years. Designed to modernise how employers support working parents and carers, these upcoming family leave reforms will create new day-one employment rights and greater protection for employees during key life events such as becoming a parent or experiencing bereavement. For SMEs, understanding these changes early is essential. Preparing now will help businesses stay compliant, manage workforce planning effectively, and foster a…
Understanding the Consultations Behind the Employment Rights Bill The government’s Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is moving through Parliament and could soon bring major changes to workplace law. Before it becomes law, the government has launched several consultations — asking for real feedback from employers, employees and HR professionals on how the new rules should work in practice. For business owners, this is your chance to prepare early and even have your say before the details are finalised. Key Consultations You…
With the Employment Rights Bill almost certain to receive Royal Assent in early November and the first provisions due to take effect just two months later, employers must now move beyond awareness and begin practical preparation. Statutory sick pay reform will not be something that can be left until the last minute. To protect both compliance and business continuity, it is essential to act now. Review and Update Policies and Procedures The first step is to review your policies and…
Words like strategy, strategic thinking, and strategic leadership are often thrown around in boardrooms and management meetings. They sound impressive—evoking visions of forward-thinking, proactive leadership—but far too often, they lack substance when it comes to practical application. Now, more than ever, it’s time to bridge the gap between buzzword and behaviour. With the new Employment Law Bill making its way through Parliament, businesses across the UK are approaching a tipping point—especially in relation to the anticipated restrictions on fire and…
Does this sound familiar? You’re the owner of a small business that has grown from a team of five to twenty in the last two years. You’ve been so focused on growth that performance reviews have fallen by the wayside. Now, you’re noticing problems cropping up: deadlines are being missed, the quality of work is slipping, and team morale is at an all-time low. Consider Jane, a talented marketing specialist who was once one of your star performers. Lately, she…
Are you a business owner who has historically taken a relaxed approach to managing probation periods? Will it surprise you that you are not alone! Like many employers, you have found them to be too burdensome and have taken comfort in the two-year qualifying service requirement for unfair dismissal claims, which, let’s face it, provided a buffer to address performance issues without immediate legal repercussions. However, with the new Labour government’s proposed introduction of day one rights for employees, this…