Marvin OnumonuThe Government has unveiled a new roadmap to boost employment rights for around 15 million workers across the UK, aiming to raise living standards and provide certainty for employers.
The plan, set out today (1st July 2025) will phase in key changes from late 2025 through to 2027.
Once the Employment Rights Bill passes, the Government will immediately repeal the strikes (minimum service levels) act 2023 and most of the trade union act 2016.
There will also be new protections against dismissal for those taking industrial action.
From April 2026, workers will see several rights come in, including ‘day one’ paternity leave and unpaid parental leave, expanded whistleblowing protections, and the launch of the fair work agency to enforce labour laws.
Statutory sick pay will be made available to all workers by removing the lower earnings limit and waiting period.
The maximum period for collective redundancy protective awards will double.
Measures to strengthen trade union rights, including easier recognition and electronic balloting, will also come in.
By October 2026, fire and rehire practices will be curbed, and a fair pay agreement body will be set up for adult social care in England.
New rules will require employers to consult workers on tip allocation, take steps to prevent sexual harassment, and protect staff from third-party harassment.
Further union rights for representatives and protections for those taking industrial action will be introduced.
In 2027, there will be action plans on the gender pay gap and menopause, enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers, further workplace harassment guidance, and bereavement leave.
The Government will also end exploitative zero hours contracts and introduce a ‘day one’ right to protection from unfair dismissal.
Access to flexible working will also improve.
Guidance will be published ahead of each change so employers and workers can prepare.
Acas will help implement the new measures and support both sides through guidance and advice.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We’re working fast to deliver our promise of better living standards and more money in the pockets of working people as part of our Plan for Change.
“These landmark reforms will kick in within months, demonstrating our commitment to making work pay for millions of workers across the country and delivering real change.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The Employment Rights Bill is a core part of the Plan for Change, directly benefiting half of all workers and boosting living standards across the country.
“Since the beginning, we have been working with businesses big and small to ensure this Bill works for them, and this roadmap will now give them the clarity and certainty they need to plan, invest and grow.
“By phasing implementation, our collaborative approach balances meaningful worker protections with the practical realities of running a successful business, creating more productive workplaces where both employees and employers can thrive.”
Reaction:
Peter Cheese, CEO of the CIPD:
“We asked for a clear plan from the government, so we’re pleased to see this roadmap launched today, which will give employers some more clarity to prepare for the biggest set of workplace reforms in decades.
“We’re pleased to see that the measures are being phased in gradually over many months.
“This will give more time for further consultation on key points of detail, and organisations more time to update their policies and practices. It’s positive to see the recognition of the critical role for Acas in supporting employers to comply with the new measures.
“We will work with the government to help provide the guidance the HR profession and managers need to implement the upcoming changes. Small businesses in particular will need clear advice and guidance to help them comply.”
Paul Nowak, general secretary at TUC:
“After the failed era of insecure work and squeezed living standards, the Employment Rights Bill is badly needed. Banning exploitative zero hours contracts, giving workers a stronger voice and ending fire and rehire are all common-sense and popular reforms.
“It’s welcome that workers will start to benefit from these long overdue changes from later this year – but this timetable must be a backstop. We need to see these new rights in action as soon as possible.
“Decent employers don’t need to wait for the law to change. They should be working with staff and unions right now to introduce these changes as quickly as possible. It’s time to level up Britain’s workplaces and end the scourge of insecure work.”
Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO at Co-op Group:
“The Co-op is supportive of the Government’s ambitions to strengthen rights for workers through the Employment Rights Bill – as the world’s oldest and UK’s largest consumer co-operative, doing right by our 54,000 colleagues is core to our approach to doing good business.
“We are convinced that treating employees well promotes productivity – it helps employers recruit, develop and retain the talent they need.
“Working in partnership with Government we believe this Bill is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure all workers are treated fairly whoever their employer might be.”
Neil Carberry, CEO at the REC:
“This clear timeline on the Employment Rights Bill gives room for full and frank consultation on how the new rules will be structured.
“It also gives businesses important time to plan. Now we have the roadmap, ongoing and meaningful engagement will be critical to ensuring new regulations allow the flexibility workers and companies value to remain.
“That’s what gives workers freedom and choice, and helps businesses adjust in changeable markets. A clear process which addresses reasonable business concerns about the new rules is essential.
“The Bill is a real opportunity to update workplace protections in a way that reflects how people work today, but getting the balance right will be crucial to supporting the government’s growth ambitions.”
Niall Mackenzie, CEO at Acas:
“We welcome the publication of the Employment Relations Bill Roadmap, giving clarity to employers and workers on the timescale for these important changes to employment law.
“At Acas, we know that good workplace relations is at the heart of resilient, successful organisations and good business. It is encouraging to see the government place employment relations at the heart of its plan to grow the economy.
“Acas will continue to work with the Department for Business and Trade, employers, trades unions and others to support employers and workers. We are proud to be the go-to organisation to help navigate changes to workplace relations through our expert Codes, guidance and freely available advice.”
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality:
“Clear and precise timelines on when aspects of this legislation, and the processes to deliver them, will come into force is essential, and it was important that the Government embark on providing clarity.
“There are substantial changes for businesses in the Employment Rights Bill and it’s right that the Government is using the appropriate implementation periods for the most complex issues for hospitality, in order to get the details right for both businesses and workers.”
Mike Clancy, general secretary at Prospect:
“With such an important and technical piece of legislation, there is always a balance to be struck between speed and precision, and this sensible timetable ensures that there is sufficient time to make sure the legislation is robust and works as intended.
“The Bill rightly involves a significant rebalancing of workplace power in favour of employees, and this must lead to improved industrial relations based on constructive working between unions and employers.
“Ultimately, the big change we need in the labour market is an increase in trade union membership and density in the private sector, and it is welcome that next year will see the lifting of many of the restrictions that have constrained the growth of unions and our ability to represent workers across the economy.”
Gary Smith, general secretary at GMB:
“It is good to see that this Government is matching words with action on trade union rights.
“There’s always more that can be done, but the Employment Rights Bill represents the biggest improvement in workers’ rights for a generation.
“GMB members now know when these much-needed improvements will happen – we urge good employers not to wait; do the right thing and make these changes a reality today.”
