Employment Rights Bill Update – July 2025

1 year ago

Tuesday, 1st July 2025

The Government has published its official roadmap for implementing the Employment Rights Bill through a paper titled “Implementing the Employment Rights Bill – Our Road Map for Delivering Change.”

As HR and employment law specialists, Park City Consulting is here to break down what this means for your business and, more importantly, how we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure compliance, clarity, and confidence through the transition.

Key Consultations: What’s Coming Next?

These areas are entering consultation phases, where policies are being shaped. We’ll provide updates and practical advice to help you prepare.

Reinstatement of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB)
Development of a Fair Pay Agreement for the Adult Social Care sector
Protection from unfair dismissal from day one, including during probation periods

Major trade union reforms, including: Electronic and workplace balloting, Simpler union recognition processes, Duties on employers to inform workers about union rights and access, New rights and protections for union representatives (consultation via Acas)
Fire and rehire practices under review
Introduction of regulations for umbrella companies
Proposals for bereavement leave and improved pregnancy-related protections
Ending the exploitative use of Zero Hours Contracts (ZHCs)

Expanded protections against blacklisting and detriment for industrial action
Further tipping law reforms
Updates to collective redundancy processes
Greater access to flexible working

Timeline for Legislative Changes

Here’s what’s expected and when. As laws come into effect, Park City Consulting will provide actionable guidance, policy templates, and compliance support tailored to your business needs.

Repeal of:

Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023

Majority of the Trade Union Act 2016

Removal of the 10-year ballot renewal requirement for union political funds
Simplified industrial action notice procedures
Legal protections for employees participating in industrial action

Doubling of protective award period in collective redundancy situations
‘Day 1’ rights for paternity leave and unpaid parental leave
Enhanced whistleblowing protections
Establishment of a Fair Work Agency
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) reform: removal of the lower earnings limit and waiting days
Simplified union recognition and new options for electronic/workplace ballots

Legislation to address fire and rehire
Launch of Fair Pay Agreement Negotiating Body for Adult Social Care
Introduction of two-tier procurement code

Employer obligations to:

Inform staff about union rights
Strengthen trade union access
Take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment
Prevent harassment by third parties

New rights for trade union representatives
Changes to tribunal time limits
Additional protection against detriment for taking industrial action

Mandatory Seafarers Charter comes into effect

Mandatory gender pay gap and menopause action plans (voluntary from April 2026)

Further enhancements for:

Pregnant workers’ rights
Sexual harassment prevention duties
Regulation of umbrella companies
Changes to redundancy consultation thresholds
Expansion of bereavement leave
Full implementation of ZHC protections (including for agency staff)
‘Day 1’ unfair dismissal protections across all sectors

What This Means for Your Business

Change is coming, and we’re ready to guide you through it.

These upcoming reforms will significantly reshape workplace rights and employer responsibilities across nearly every sector. Whether you operate in education, healthcare, hospitality, logistics, or professional services, we’ll help you:

Understand the changes and how they apply to your specific workforce
Update policies and procedures to stay legally compliant
Train managers and HR teams on new obligations
Plan proactively for upcoming deadlines and consultations

Next Steps

As consultations move forward and new legislation is introduced, both primary and secondary, we will continue to keep you fully informed with the latest employment law updates.

Our expert team is here to provide proactive HR services, including tailored advice, compliance checks, policy reviews, and risk assessments. You can count on your dedicated advisor to help you stay ahead of change and confidently navigate the evolving employment landscape.

Read the full government paper here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/686258bdb466cce1bb1219dc/implementing-the-employment-rights-bill-roadmap.pdf

Mid-Year Compliance Check-Up: Is Your Business Audit-Ready for 2025?

Managing the Heat: How can Employers Support Staff During Hot Weather

Back To Articles