What is the Employment Rights Bill?
The Bill is one of the most significant overhauls of UK employment rights in years, covering things like sick pay, parental leave, trade unions, and protections from unfair dismissal.
Around 15 million workers (roughly half of the UK workforce) are expected to benefit from these changes. The new protections aim to boost living standards by giving more workers better sick pay, more reliable leave, and stronger job security.
Employers will also need to prepare: some rights come in quickly, others require longer lead-in time.
The newly established Fair Work Agency (FWA) will play a big role in enforcement, making sure that businesses follow the new rules, including the ability to initiate tribunal proceedings on behalf of employees.
Businesses engaging agency workers will bear clearer responsibilities for shift notifications, guaranteed hours and compensation for short-notice cancellations.
There are concerns from business groups: some say the Bill could impose high costs on employers.
Because the Bill is being phased in over several years, both workers and employers will need to keep up with multiple waves of change.
Current State of the Bill:
The Bill has returned to the House of Lords in a so-called “ping-pong” stage. This is where the Lords and Commons go back and forth over amendments.
On 17 November 2025, the Lords held votes on a number of key issues. After the Lords’ changes, the Bill will return to the Commons, which must agree (or not) to the Lords’ version.
Key Changes Coming & When
Based on the Government’s roadmap, here’s what to expect and when:
Short-term (December 2025 or early 2026)
October 2026
2027 (or later)
If you would like to discuss preparing your organisation for the impending reforms, contact Peoplogy Ltd. for a free, no-commitment conversation.
I’m George Mucsy, the founder of Peoplogy Ltd., a HR consultancy helping startups and small businesses build the people foundations they need to grow with confidence. Leveraging my 15 years HR…
Post articles and opinions on Hertfordshire Professionals
to attract new clients and referrals. Feature in newsletters.
Join for free today and upload your articles for new contacts to read and enquire further.
