Follow the links below to find out more
Unfair dismissal
Collective redundancies
Changing employment terms: dismissal and re-engagement
Statutory sick pay
Paternity and parental leave
National minimum wage increases
Increase to statutory family leave payments
Fair work agency
Umbrella companies
Right to work checks
Additional whistleblowing protections
Non-disclosure agreements
Harassment
Employment tribunal time limits
Trade unions and workplace access
Draft equality (race and disability) bill
Flexible working
Bereavement leave
Additional dismissal protection for pregnant women and new parents
Equality action plans
Zero hours and low hours and agency workers
Other things to look out for
Unfair dismissal
Changes to unfair dismissal rights are perhaps the most significant of all the changes made by the ERA 2025.
Implications/Action points
- Revisit probationary periods urgently.
- Increase focus on performance management during probation.
- Train managers on dismissal processes.
- Expect more unfair dismissal claims.
Collective redundancies
The ERA 2025 includes provisions which will mean that employers’ statutory collective consultation obligations.
Implications/Action points
- Greater oversight of restructures.
- Longer redundancy timelines.
- Greater emphasis on compliance.
Changing employment terms: dismissal and re-engagement
Changes being made by the ERA 2025 will make it more difficult for employers to change employment terms.
Implications/Action points
- Review contract terms now.
- Implement changes early where possible.
Statutory sick pay
The cost of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will increase for employers from April 2026…
Implications/Action points
- Increased sickness absence costs.
- Tighter absence management.
Paternity and parental leave
On 29 December 2025, the Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act 2024 came into force…
Implications/Action points
- Plan for more absences.
- Update policies.
National minimum wage increases
The annual increase in National Minimum Wage rates takes effect from 1 April 2026…
Implications/Action points
- Increased employment costs.
- Review pay compliance.
Increase to statutory family leave payments
From April 2026 the weekly rate of statutory family leave payments will increase.
Fair work agency
The Fair Work Agency (FWA) is due to be established in April 2026.
Umbrella companies
Recruitment companies often use umbrella companies to engage workers.
Right to work checks
The illegal working regime is expected to be extended.
Implications/Action points
- Audit workforce.
- Ensure right to work compliance.
Additional whistleblowing protections
The ERA 2025 strengthens whistleblowing protections in limited circumstances.
Implications/Action points
- Update policies.
- Train decision makers.
Non-disclosure agreements
Under the ERA 2025, provisions in NDAs restricting discrimination disclosures will be void.
Implications/Action points
- Review settlement templates.
Harassment
Further changes to harassment laws are being made by the ERA 2025…
Implications/Action points
- Review risk assessments.
- Update policies and training.
Employment tribunal time limits
The ERA 2025 will increase tribunal time limits…
Implications/Action points
- Expect more claims.
Trade unions and workplace access
The ERA 2025 makes wide-ranging changes to trade union law…
Draft equality (race and disability) bill
2026 could see the publication of the draft Equality Bill…
Flexible working
From 2027, employers will face additional hurdles in refusing flexible working requests…
Bereavement leave
A new right to statutory bereavement leave is being introduced…
Additional dismissal protection for pregnant women and new parents
From 2027, dismissal protection for pregnant women will be extended…
Equality action plans
Large employers will be required to develop and publish equality action plans…
Zero hours and low hours and agency workers
The Government plans to provide greater protections for insecure workers…
Other things to look out for
Further consultations and reforms are expected…