The Employment Rights Bill Timetable: Are You Ready?

Employment Rights Bill
December 08, 2025•2 min read

The Employment Rights Bill is set to reshape UK employment law starting April 2026, with sweeping changes that small business owners must prepare for now.

🗓️ What’s Changing – And When?

The Employment Rights Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in Autumn 2025, with implementation phased every six months from April 2026 through 2027. This is the most significant overhaul of employment law in decades, introducing 35 separate measures that will directly impact how businesses hire, manage and retain staff.

⚠️ Key Changes That Could Hit Your Bottom Line

Here are some of the most impactful reforms small business owners need to prepare for:

  • Day-One Employment Rights - employees will gain instant eligibility for paternity leave and unfair dismissal claims, removing the previous qualifying periods.

  • Statutory Sick Pay Reform - The three-day waiting period and lower earnings threshold will be abolished, meaning more employees qualify for sick pay from day one.

  • Trade Union Empowerment - The repeal of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 and simplification of union recognition rules will make it easier for employees to organise and strike.

  • Whistleblower Protections - Enhanced safeguards will make it easier for employees to claim automatic unfair dismissal if they report wrongdoing.

  • Record-keeping and Fines - Employers face unlimited fines for failing to maintain proper records on issues like holiday pay, working hours, and leave entitlements.

🧭 What Should You Do Now?

If you're a small business owner, now is the time to:

  • Audit your employment contracts and HR policies to ensure they align with upcoming legal standards.

  • Review your record-keeping systems for pay, leave and working hours.

  • Train your managers on new rights and responsibilities, especially around dismissal and leave.

  • Seek professional guidance - a compliance audit can help you identify gaps and avoid costly penalties.

📣 Final Thoughts

The Employment Rights Bill isn't just a policy shift - it's a cultural reset in how UK businesses treat their workforce. While the full rollout spans two years, the first wave of changes begins in April 2026, and preparation is key to staying compliant and competitive.

If you'd like support with a compliance audit, feel free to get in touch. I'll be sharing more updates and practical advice in the coming weeks.

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