Overview

• The Employment Rights Bill will, upon enactment, immediately repeal minimum service levels in the Trade Union Act and restore full strike protections.
• In April 2026 the Fair Work Agency will launch, sick pay waiting periods will be removed, the lower earnings threshold will be scrapped, day-one paternity and parental leave will begin, and unions will need only 2% workforce membership to gain recognition.
• In October 2026 employers will face a ban on fire-and-rehire tactics and new legal duties to prevent sexual harassment including third-party conduct.
• Day-one unfair dismissal rights, default flexible working and a ban on zero-hours contracts are slated for implementation in 2027 after warnings that faster rollouts could stifle hiring and investment.
• Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the phased approach provides the clarity companies need to plan and invest while strengthening workplace protections.