Emploment Rights Bill Receives Royal Accent

22 December 2025

Following Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, the Employment Rights Bill has become law and is now known as the Employment Rights Act 2025.  The new legislation brings significant changes to UK employment law, aiming to strengthen protections for employees and improve workplace practices.

The Government remains committed to the implementation timelines set out in their Employment Rights Bill Roadmap, available here.  The first reforms, effective at Royal Assent, include the repeal of the Strikes (Minimum Service Level) Act 2023, the repeal of most of the Trade Union Act 2016 and further protections against dismissal for employees taking industrial action.

Changes to family-related leave and pay, expanded statutory sick pay eligibility, stronger protections for whistleblowing and enhanced redundancy consultation rules will come into effect from 6 April 2026.

Further provisions, including enhanced unfair dismissal rights, new measures affecting zero hours contracts, updates to trade union representation, and restrictions on ‘fire and rehire’, will come into effect from October 2026 and into 2027. This phased approach allows time for employers and employees to prepare for the changes and for additional guidance and regulations, expected in the coming months.

Our Employment Rights Act (ERA) Network will launch in January 2026.  This will be an opportunity for you to share ideas and best practice with a range of members as the legislation is implemented.

More information on the Employment Rights Act 2025 can be found here.