New Employment Rights Roadmap Set to Benefit 15 Million UK Workers
The government has published the Employment Rights Bill Implementation Roadmap, setting out when new employment measures will come into force. The roadmap is designed to raise living standards and strengthen protections, with an estimated 15 million workers expected to benefit from the changes.
Measures taking effect after the bill is passed
- Repeal of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 and key provisions of the Trade Union Act 2016.
- New legal protections against dismissal for participating in industrial action.
Coming in April 2026
- Doubling of the maximum period for collective redundancy protective awards.
- ‘Day one’ rights for paternity leave and unpaid parental leave.
- Enhanced whistleblowing protections.
- Creation of a new Fair Work Agency to promote and enforce employment rights.
- Reform of Statutory Sick Pay — removal of Lower Earnings Limit and waiting period.
- Simplified trade union recognition process.
- Electronic and workplace balloting introduced for trade unions.
Coming in October 2026
- Ban on ‘fire and rehire’ tactics to protect workers from unfair contract changes.
- Fair Pay Agreement body established for adult social care in England.
- Strengthened tipping laws — employers must consult staff on fair distribution.
- Employers required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, including by third parties.
- Additional trade union rights and protections, including safeguards for representatives and those taking industrial action.
Coming in 2027
- Mandatory gender pay gap and menopause action plans (following voluntary rollout in 2026).
- Greater dismissal protections for pregnant employees and new mothers.
- Clearer employer duties to prevent workplace harassment, with stronger enforcement.
- New industrial relations framework to support collaborative workplace practices.
- Bereavement leave introduced as a statutory right.
- Restrictions on zero hours contracts to promote job stability.
- ‘Day one’ protection from unfair dismissal for all employees.
- Expanded access to flexible working arrangements.
Supporting employers through the transition
The government has committed to publishing official guidance and new Codes of Practice to help employers understand and comply with these changes. These may be developed in partnership with Acas or other organisations.
We’ll continue to monitor developments and share updates as new resources become available.