Employment Rights Bill (ERB): Implementation Roadmap

Employment Rights Bill: Key Dates Announced – Are You Ready?

The Government has now published its implementation roadmap for the Employment Rights Bill, giving employers a clearer picture of what’s coming, and when.

This landmark legislation includes wide-ranging changes that will affect almost every employer across the UK, especially those relying on casual, seasonal, or flexible workforces.

While the Government’s original timescales have been pushed back slightly, employers now have the chance to plan ahead. Here’s what you need to know:

What’s Coming and When?

April 2026:

• Statutory Sick Pay reforms; no waiting days or earnings threshold
• Day one rights to Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave
• Launch of the new Fair Work Agency
• Enhanced whistleblowing protections
• Simplified trade union recognition processes
• Double protective award for failures in collective redundancy consultation

October 2026:

• Ban on fire-and-rehire practices
• Strengthened duties on employers to prevent sexual harassment
• Stronger rules on tipping and tribunal time limits
• Establishment of the Fair Pay Agreement Body for adult social care

2027:

• Day one protection from unfair dismissal (with a recognised probationary period)
• Ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts (including for agency workers)
• New rights for pregnant workers and improved access to bereavement leave
• Reforms to flexible working
• Umbrella company regulation
• Mandatory gender pay gap and menopause action plans

What Should Employers Do Now?

• These reforms will require employers to review:
• Contracts (especially zero-hours and probation clauses)
• Policies and handbooks (including leave, dismissal, and harassment)
• Payroll systems (to manage SSP and leave entitlements)

Early preparation is key. Employers should take this time to review existing terms and policies, particularly where casual or seasonal arrangements are in place.

Want more detail?
We’ve created a clear, employer-focused guide to help you stay ahead of the changes.

Contact us to get your free copy of our 36-page Employment Rights Bill booklet.
info@tamarhr.co.uk / 01752 686570