Employment Rights Act 2025 – key information for businesses

The Employment Rights Bill, which became law in December 2025, is now the Employment Rights Act 2025. Changes to employment rights will be phased in, with some already in force or being introduced shortly. Employers should start preparing now. The first big changes will be coming into effect in April 2026 and include:

• Statutory Sick Pay
• Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave
• Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave
• Collective redundancy protections
• Whistleblowing protections
• Simpler enforcement through Fair Work Agency

The Government has published a dedicated website which provides free guidance and support to help you understand what applies to your business and actions you need to take. Further changes will be introduced gradually throughout 2026 and 2027, giving employers time to prepare and ensuring workers have clear information about their new rights.