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Everything You Need to Know about the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA)

The Employment Rights Act (ERA) represents the largest overhaul of UK employment law in many years.

This will reshape rights for workers and responsibilities for employers from 2026 onward. The ERA builds on the Employment Rights Bill, which received Royal Assent in December 2025.

As your trusted employment law solicitors, we have put together this simple guide, giving you a timeline of milestones plus what it means for your business.

 

What is the timeline for the Employment Rights Act?

6 April 2026 – This is the date the major reforms come into force, including:

 

  1. Changes to statutory sick pay (SSP)
    SSP will be paid to all eligible workers from first day of absence (no more waiting days) so managing sickness absence robustly will become an increasing priority to businesses.
  2. Introduction of day on rights for paternity leave and unpaid parental leave
    Policies for paternity and unpaid parental leave will require updating.
  3. The doubling of the protective award for breach of collective consultation obligations on redundancy.
    Any larger scale redundancy or restructuring plans will need to be carefully managed ot mitigate the increased financial risk
  4. Fair Work Agency established
    Fair Work Agency will provide greater legal support to employees, so employers need to be ready to justify actions and respond to claims.
  5. Sexual harassment allegations qualify as “protected disclosures” for whistleblowing claims
    Review and update whistleblowing policies, ensure staff are fully trained on equal opportunities.
  6. Increase in National Minimum Wage
    Businesses will need to prepare to pay higher wages.
  7. Changes related to industrial action/trade unions.
    Businesses will see strengthened trade unions.

 

1 October 2026

Further changes coming into force include:

 

2027 onwards

2027 will see more changes to the Employment Rights Act, although much of the detail is still awaiting pending consultation and further regulations.

If you need support? Get in touch

If your organisation needs impartial and expert legal advice, get in touch with Bowcock and Pursaill via email at info@bowcockpursaill.co.uk or by calling 01782 200000.

We have offices in Hanley, Leek, Uttoxeter and Eccleshall, if you want to arrange a visit to speak to one of our employment law solicitors.

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