The Employment Rights Act 2025

Your practical guide to the changes – and what employers need to do next 

The Employment Rights Act 2025 is now law, and it represents one of the biggest shake-ups to employment law in a generation. 

What started as a 150 page Bill setting out around 28 proposed changes has grown into a 334 page Act, with reforms being phased in over the next two years. It’s a lot to take in, especially alongside your day-to-day HR and compliance responsibilities. 

This guide cuts through the noise and explains what’s changing, when it’s changing, and what it really means for your business. 

Download the guide to get clarity on what you need to prepare for. 

Why the Employment Rights Act matters 

The government described the Act as ‘the biggest upgrade to rights at work in a generation’. While it’s positioned as both pro-business and pro-worker, many employers are understandably concerned about the practical impact. 

Research suggests that over half of businesses expect the new obligations to require additional resources, and the government has warned the full legislative package could cost businesses £1 billion a year. 

Understanding the changes early is key to staying compliant and avoiding unnecessary risk. 

What the guide covers 

Without giving everything away, the guide breaks down the changes into clear, practical sections, including: 

New and updated rights for workers 

• Unfair dismissal rights after six months 

• Changes to zero-hours contract use 

• Stronger protections around fire and rehire 

• Expanded flexible working rights 

• Updates to parental, paternity and bereavement leave 

• Tougher duties on harassment prevention 

Fair pay, terms and working conditions 

• Major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from April 2026 

• New requirements around tips and allocation policies 

• Equality Action Plans for larger employers 

• Changes to tribunal time limits 

Why you should download it 

This guide helps you: 

• Understand the changes without wading through hundreds of pages 

• See which reforms apply to your workforce  

• Support managers to apply the changes confidently and fairly 

Who it’s for 

This guide is essential reading for: 

• Business owners and directors 

• HR and people leaders 

• Managers responsible for compliance or workforce planning 

• Employers without in-house HR support 

• Anyone wanting to stay ahead of employment law risk 

Get clear on what’s coming next 

The Employment Rights Act isn’t something you can afford to react to late. The earlier you understand the changes, the more control you keep. 

Fill in the form to download your Employment Rights Act 2025 guide 

Want to talk through what this means for your business? Call 0345 844 1111 and speak to our team.