Advising Employers on the Employment Rights Act 2025

The Employment Rights Act represents one of the most significant overhauls of employment legislation in recent years, introducing wide-ranging reforms that will impact how employers recruit, manage, and support their workforce.

From introducing day one unfair dismissal rights for employees and restricting fire and rehire practices, to enhanced rights and protections in redundancy and family leave, as well as new preventative duties relating to workplace harassment, the Act reshapes many core aspects of the employment relationship. These reforms introduce new compliance obligations, strengthen employee protections, and increase the risk of legal exposure if not properly managed.

It is crucial employers seek timely specialist advice to fully understand the implications of the Act and prepare for its implementation. Our specialist employment law team can help you audit current practices, update contracts and policies, and deliver tailored training to ensure your business remains compliant and well-positioned for these significant legal changes.

Taking proactive steps now will help minimise disruption, reduce legal risk, and ensure your business is prepared as the various provisions of the Act are brought into force.

Key features of the Act include:

  • Reduced qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection.
  • New restrictions on “fire and rehire” practices.
  • Enhanced rights for workers on zero-hours and low-hours contracts.
  • Day one rights to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave.
  • Reforms to Statutory Sick Pay, including earlier entitlement.
  • Stronger protection against workplace harassment, including by third parties.
  • Greater protections for pregnant employees and new mothers.
  • New bereavement leave rights.
  • Changes to collective redundancy consultation rules.
  • Flexible working strengthened as a default workplace practice.
  • Extended time limits for bringing Employment Tribunal claims.
  • Increased trade union rights and workplace protections.
  • Creation of the Fair Work Agency to enforce employment rights.

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