The Employment Rights Act marks one of the biggest changes to workplace rights in a generation. The Act came into force on 18 December 2025, with many of the new rights and protections being introduced in stages over the coming months and years.  

The Act brings in wide-ranging reforms across areas including trade union rights, collective redundancy, fire and rehire, collective bargaining, zero hours contracts, family friendly rights, flexible working, enhanced protections against harassment, the introduction of the Fair Work Agency, statutory sick pay from day one, amended unfair dismissal rights and extended employment tribunal time limits. 

Many of the provisions are subject to further regulations and ongoing consultation exercises. 

This hub brings everything you need to know in one place. It explains what is changing and what it means for trade union members. As the law is implemented, this page will be updated with new guidance, resources, and support to help you understand and use the enhanced rights the Act introduces.

Employment Rights Act - Briefings

Please find further information below:

 



 

 

Employment Rights Act 2025 - Timeline (Download)

We have prepared a timeline and short guide to the Employment Rights Act 2025. It sets out when the first key changes are currently expected to take effect,  

The dates shown reflect the Government’s timetable. They may change, and we will update this page as further commencement dates are confirmed. 

Download the timeline and guide here.

Employment Rights Act 2025 – Upcoming Dates

  • 25 August 2026

    Electronic and workplace balloting changes for statutory trade union ballots.

  • 1st October 2026

    Extension of Employment Tribunal time limits

  • 30th October 2026

    Strengthen Union access to the workplace.  

    Removal of unfair practices in the trade union recognition process.  

    Extension of protections for union representatives, including equality representatives. 

    Protection from being subject to a detriment for taking industrial action.  

    Improved duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

    Introduction of protection from third party harassment.

    Regulations to establish the Fair Pay Agreement, Adult Social Care Negotiation Body (ASCNB) in England.

    Reinstating the Two Tier Code to protect public sector employees terms and conditions.

      

     

  • 9 November 2026

    Scotland only - extension of time limits in the employment tribunal for breach of contract claims. 

  • December 2026

    Introduction of Seafarer Protection Regulations

  • End of 2026

    Strengthening of tipping law

  • January 2027

    Reduction of unfair dismissal qualifying period to 6 months, for dismissals from 1 January 2027, and uncapping compensatory awards.

    Requirement to provide a written statement of the right to join a trade union.

    New provisions on fire and rehire. 

     

  • During 2027

    Equality action plans and menopause support (mandatory)

    Protection from dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers

    Extending blacklisting protections

    Regulation of umbrella companies

    Collective redundancy consultation threshold

    Flexible working requests

    Bereavement leave including pregnancy loss

    Introduction to the right to guaranteed hours, the right to reasonable notice and short notice payments. 

    Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA’s)

    Electronic and workplace balloting for recognition and de-recognition ballots. 

     

Webinars

As new rights come into force, we will be hosting webinars to explain what the Employment Rights Act means for union members and workers in practice. These sessions will cover key changes, answer common questions, and provide practical guidance on how to understand and use your rights at work. 

Our webinars are designed to be clear, accessible, and focused on the issues that matter most to trade unions and their members.

 

 

September 2026:
Thompsons provide a practical guide to the latest Employment Rights Act reforms and upcoming changes, with expert insights and tips to help trade union representatives support members effectively.

Watch here:

 

 

 

Thompsons presentation giving broad overview of changes to employment law legislation brought in by the Employment Rights Act 2025

 

 

 

Neil Todd & Jo Seery present a short video on changes to employment law legislation in February and April 2026

 

 

Consultation Responses

 

Sign up for the ELR Newsletter

Our Employment Law Review newsletter keeps you up to date with the latest developments and explains what changes to employment and trade union law mean for trade unions and their members. 

By signing up, you will receive clear updates, practical guidance, and information on upcoming webinars and resources as employment rights continue to evolve. 

Sign up to our Employment Law newsletter

Discover our latest edition here

Help & Guidance

Thompsons Solicitors is proud to be the chosen employment law partner for the UK’s major trade unions and to assist them in providing expert advice and representation to members. 

As a trade union member, you can access employment law advice, guidance and support from your local union representative at any time. They will involve your union’s legal service as necessary. 

Thompsons Solicitors’ employment rights lawyers become involved if the matter cannot be resolved by the union, and the only remedy is a legal one. Our employment rights lawyers only act for trade unions and their members, offering comprehensive employment law advice. 

 

"Thompsons are understood within the sector as the top firm in terms of work for trade unions and their members. They have a specialism therein that nobody else can match."

Praise from The Legal 500 2025.