News

Update on the employment rights bill

Details of the recently published employment rights bill roadmap and actions for employers.

3 July 2025

The government has published its employment rights bill (ERB) roadmap, giving clarity to employers and workers on the timescale for these changes to employment law.

Once the bill has passed and receives royal assent, key measures in the ERB will come into effect in 2026 and 2027, whilst further consultations are planned from this year into next.  

The government, working with ACAS, has also pledged to produce clear and comprehensive guidance to help organisations navigate the changes in advance of implementation deadlines.

We will seek employers views when relevant consultations are opened. We will also be monitoring implementation dates and making any necessary changes to the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook in due course. 

Action for employers
 

  • Get up-to-date with the recent announcement and timescales from the government.
  • Consider how current and future policies and procedures may be impacted. 
  • Review local policies and procedures in partnership with trade unions to ensure compliance ahead of implementation. 

Anticipated timeline for the changes

  • Summer/Autumn 2025:

    • Day 1 protection for unfair dismissal including statutory probation period and dismissal process.

    Autumn 2025: 

    • A package of trade union measures. 
    • Fire and rehire practices.
    • Bereavement leave.
    • Rights for pregnant workers.
    • Ending the use of zero-hours contracts.

    Winter/early 2026: 

    • A further package of trade union measures.
    • Collective redundancy.
    • Flexible working.

Further information