The Employment Rights Act 2025 has now become law, marking the biggest shake-up to UK employment rights in decades. While not all changes take effect immediately, understanding what is coming, and when, will help you prepare your business and stay compliant.
April 2026
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Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): The three-day waiting period is removed, and the lower earnings limit no longer applies. SSP will now be payable from day one of sickness at 80% of average weekly earnings or the flat rate, whichever is lower.
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Parental and Paternity Leave: Becomes a day-one right, removing previous qualifying periods.
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Statutory Pay Rates: Maternity, paternity, adoption, SSP, and parental bereavement pay will increase.
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Fair Work Agency: The FWA will begin enforcing compliance for pay, holiday, SSP, and labour providers.
October 2026
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Fire and Rehire: Dismissals will be automatically unfair only when employees are asked to accept a “restricted variation” to their contracts (e.g., pay, hours, pensions), unless the business is in financial difficulty.
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Harassment and Tipping Rules: Employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment, including from third parties, and consult staff on tipping policies.
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Trade Union Access: Further expansion of union rights to access workplaces and represent staff.
2027
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Zero-Hours Contracts: Workers can request guaranteed hours and will have the right to reasonable notice for shifts, including compensation for changes or cancellations.
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Bereavement Leave: Expanded to include all loved ones, including pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
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Unfair Dismissal: The qualifying period reduces to six months, and the compensation cap is removed.
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Collective Bargaining: Adult Social Care and School Staff Negotiating Bodies are established to oversee pay and conditions in these sectors.
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Flexible Working: Employers must justify refusals and provide clear reasons.
What This Means for Employers
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces major new rights and protections, with key measures phased in from April 2026 through 2027. Early preparation is crucial to reduce risk, manage costs, and maintain smooth employee relations.
Supportis can help by reviewing your policies, updating contracts, auditing pay and absence records, training managers, advising on flexible working and dismissal processes, and providing 24/7 insured HR advice to keep your business compliant.
Call us on 0161 603 2156 or email hello@supportis.com.
