The UK’s Employment Rights Bill promises the most significant shake‑up to employment law in a generation. If you’re an employee seeking clarity on your rights or an employer navigating these changes, this guide provides an engaging, informative overview of what’s coming and where you can get expert legal services and support.
What is the Employment Rights Bill?
The Employment Rights Bill, introduced to Parliament on 10 October 2024, aims to modernise employment law across the UK by:
- Introducing day‑one unfair dismissal protection by removing the two‑year qualifying period.
- Reforming zero‑hours and agency contracts, including mandatory guaranteed hours.
- Strengthening statutory sick pay removal of the lower earnings threshold and eligibility from day‑one.
- Extending the time limit for bringing tribunal claims from three to six months.
- Adjusting collective redundancy rules, increasing protective award periods, and enhancing consultation requirements.
Click here and learn more about the Employment Rights Bill.
Timeline and latest changes
As of spring 2025, the Bill is in the House of Lords with some notable amendments:
- Agency workers now entitled to guaranteed hours based on a 12‑week reference period.
- Paternity, parental, and bereavement leave available from day one, no service qualification
- Nine‑month window (from autumn 2026) expected for full implementation of most provisions.
Why it matters for employers and employees
For employees:
- Instant protection from unfair dismissal;
- Guaranteed and predictable working hours;
- Better support when sick and more time to claim in tribunals;
- Stronger collective bargaining and redundancy safeguards.
For employers:
- Greater compliance duties, revision of contracts and HR policies;
- Cost implications: more generous sick pay and protective awards;
- Need for robust redundancy and consultation processes;
- Expanded scrutiny of fire-and-rehire and zero-hours practices.
Legal support: GLP Solicitors’ Employment law expertise
GLP Solicitors offer top-tier employment law services from unfair dismissal to contract disputes. Our expert team provides:
- In-depth legal representation, including tribunal support.
- Advice on unfair dismissal, pay, redundancy, discrimination, and health & safety.
- Settlement Agreements, ensuring employees know their rights.
- Nationwide coverage from our Bury and Prestwich offices in Greater Manchester.
With the Employment Rights Bill set to transform workplace rights and responsibilities, now’s the time to act. If you’re facing a dismissal, reviewing contracts, or updating policies, expert legal support is crucial.
Contact GLP Solicitors for a free consultation with our Employment Law specialists: Click here.