Employment Rights Bill

The 2025 Roadmap Employers Can’t Afford to Miss!

The UK’s upcoming Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is set to deliver the most comprehensive update to employment law in decades. With sweeping changes affecting everything from parental leave to flexible working rights, employers must act now to future-proof their HR practices and avoid compliance risks.

To help you prepare, we’ve outlined a timeline for implementation, the key measures and 5 essential steps you can take today.

The ERB Roadmap: Key Dates for UK Employers

The government has set out a phased rollout for the Employment Rights Bill:

• Autumn 2025 – Creation of the Fair Work Agency- Strengthened trade union rights- Industrial action reforms.

• April 2026 – Day-one rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave- Removal of SSP thresholds & waiting periods- Enhanced whistleblowing protection.

• October 2026 – Ban on fire-and-rehire practices- Stronger sexual harassment prevention duties, including third-party liability- Extension of tribunal time limits.

• January 2027 – Protections for zero-hours and variable-hours workers- Day-one unfair dismissal protections – Expansion of flexible working and wellbeing rights.

What Employers Should Do Now

The ERB requires more than simple policy tweaks. It’s a chance to proactively align your workplace practices with a modernised employment framework.

5 Essential Employer Actions

 • Audit Employment Contracts

Review contracts and HR policies for compliance with new protections around flexible working, unfair dismissal, and zero-hours arrangements.

 • Prepare Harassment Prevention Strategies

Update policies to meet new legal duties on preventing sexual harassment, including incidents involving third parties (clients, customers, contractors).

 • Adapt Payroll & HR Systems

Prepare for statutory sick pay (SSP) changes, day-one rights for leave, and expanded flexible-working requests.

 • Engage Early With Consultations

Monitor upcoming consultation windows in late 2025 and early 2026. Your input could help shape the final rules while ensuring your business is prepared.

 • Train Managers and HR Teams

Equip staff with the knowledge to implement new policies and handle employee queries confidently.

Download our free “5-Step ERB Employer Checklist” to get started CLICK HERE FOR PDF

How Val Wade Recruitment Can Help!

We’re more than a recruitment partner – we’re your ally in navigating workforce change.

Whether you need:

• Temporary staff to cover gaps during transitions

• Or a trusted partner to help plan ahead …our team is here to support you.

• Help finding permanent staff for long term value 

Let’s talk about how these changes could impact your workforce!