Navigating the Employment Rights Bill 2025
What’s changing, what it means for your business, and what to do next
Here’s your handy guide to the UK’s most significant employment law shift in a generation.
The Employment Rights Bill 2025 will change how businesses deal with people, policies, and legal risk, from daily HR decisions to long-term workforce strategy.
Why this matters to you
The Employment Rights Bill marks a step change in how employment rights are defined and enforced:
• Enhanced protections for workers mean increased legal risk, especially around dismissal, redundancy, harassment and changing contractual terms.
• Workforce structures will need updating, particularly around zero-hours, flexibility, trade unions and agency staff.
• HR teams will need time, clarity, and practical support to keep policies, contracts, and processes compliant.
What you need to do now
With some changes expected to take effect from early 2026, now’s the time for you to act:
• Get ready to review your current contracts and policies, especially around family-related leave, dismissal and flexible work.
• Equip managers and HR with focused training and decision-making tools.
• Stay close to ongoing Government consultations and regulatory guidance.
• Help shape the new laws by joining Make UK’s engagement with Government, including our consultation response work. Employers like you still have a voice; your feedback could influence what ultimately comes into force.
What’s changing and when
The Government has confirmed that the reforms will be rolled out in phases.
Use the roadmap to plan ahead and stay on top as each stage comes into force.
Understand what each reform means for you
We’ve broken down the key changes into Spotlight Guides focusing on specific areas so you can understand what’s shifting, who the changes affect and where to take action. Explore the series below and start preparing now:
Need support with the upcoming legal changes?
Whether you’re already getting prepared or you're just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help you plan for the Employment Rights Bill changes and protect your business.
How we can help
- Sign up to our updates as the legal changes come in, so you can stay compliant and up to date.
- We have detailed HR and employment law guidance, template policies and letters on our website in the HR & Legal Resources section, which will be maintained as the changes come into force.
- Our team of employment lawyers is happy to help if you’ve got questions or need advice. And if you need hands-on support with any projects as you prepare for the changes, our HR and legal consultants can work with you to get the right steps in place and stay compliant.
- Use our ERB enquiry line ([email protected]) for real-time access to legal specialists when you need quick answers about the Employment Rights Bill.
- Ask about our Right track review (coming soon): A focused, in-business audit with clear, practical steps to keep you compliant.
- You can also shape future policy. We speak regularly with Government and feed into consultations, using input from businesses like yours.
Ongoing employment law and HR support
- For longer-term support, our retained service includes:
- Direct access to employment law experts.
- Regularly updated HR policies and templates.
- Advice for day-to-day issues and bigger picture planning.
- The chance to help shape Government policy.
Want to connect more deeply with the sector?
As a member of Make UK, you will get access to expert insights, events, industry connections, and a direct line to policymakers. You’ll be part of a national network focused on strengthening UK manufacturing. Learn more about what membership includes.