The Government has updated the timeline for the incoming Employment Law changes. Some of the key dates and proposals are summarised below.
18 February 2026
Various Trade Union changes, including:
- Simplifying industrial action notes
- Protection from dismissal for taking industrial action
6 April 2026
Key changes taking effect:
- Protective award for failure to collectively consult on redundancy doubled
- Day 1 entitlement to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave
- Sexual harassment specifically protected as “whistleblowing”
- Bereaved partners leave
- Lower earnings limit and waiting days removed for SSP
- Simplification of the Trade Union recognition process
7 April 2026
- Fair Work Agency (new enforcement body) established
October 2026
- Changes to the law on tips
- Duty to inform workers of their right to join a Trade Union
- Improved rights of access for Trade Unions
- Duty to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of employees
- Third party harassment protection
- Changes to Tribunal time limits
January 2027
Key changes from 1 January 2027:
- Reduction of unfair dismissal qualifying period to six months
- Compensatory awards for unfair dismissal to become uncapped
- Fire and re-hire dismissals to be automatically unfair for certain contractual changes unless exceptions apply
2027 (Dates to be confirmed)
Further anticipated changes:
- Enhanced protection for pregnant women and new mothers
- Changes to the collective consultation threshold for redundancy
- Flexible working changes
- Bereavement leave
- Changes affecting zero-hours contracts
Comment
The timeline above gives employers the opportunity to prepare for these changes. Sensible preparations will include updating documentation (contracts and policies), training employees and managers and updating processes such as probationary periods and payroll. Employers also need to think practically about how these changes will impact their organisations and what steps can be taken to mitigate any new risks.
How can we help?
Laura Kearsley is a Partner in our Employment Law team. Laura has a strong reputation in all aspects of employment law, including Employment Tribunal litigation, discipline and grievance issues, and unfair and constructive unfair dismissal claims.
If you’re concerned about how these changes affect your organisation, or want to discuss our HR audit service, contact our employment team. We’ll help you navigate these changes effectively, ensuring compliance while maintaining operational flexibility.
Contact Nelsons’ employment team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form for practical advice.
Contact usIf this article relates to a specific case/cases, please note that the facts of this case/cases are correct at the time of writing.