The Employment Rights Act 2025 Is Coming Into Force — Is Your Business Ready?

The UK’s Employment Rights Act 2025 is set to bring one of the most significant shifts in employment legislation we’ve seen in years. With various provisions coming into force throughout 2026, employers must ensure their documentation, processes, and people practices are updated in time.

The first changes take effect 18th February 2026, focusing on trade union rights — and that’s just the beginning. A series of new requirements will continue rolling out across the year, impacting everything from contracts of employment to day‑one statutory rights.

So, the question is: Is your business ready?

Update Your Employment Contracts Now

One of the key changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 relates to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Employers will need to ensure that all employment contracts reflect the new legislation, including:

⚓ Updated SSP entitlement

⚓ Clear eligibility conditions

⚓ Transparent reference to any enhanced company sick pay schemes

⚓ Alignment with revised statutory processes and timelines

If you haven’t reviewed your employment contracts recently, now is the time.

Employee Handbooks Need Updating Too

Alongside contract changes, employers must revise their Employee Handbooks to incorporate new family‑friendly rights, including:

⚓ Updated paternity leave provisions including – Bereaved partners’ paternity leave

⚓ New day‑one parental leave entitlements

⚓ Clear guidance for managers on procedural updates

⚓ Consistency across all policies referencing paid or unpaid leave

These changes reflect a growing move towards more flexible and family‑friendly working arrangements — and your policies must keep pace.

A Year of Major Change Ahead

The trade union amendments coming in on 18th February 2026 mark the start of a full year of legislative updates. Employers should expect further changes across:

⚓ Worker protections

⚓ Leave entitlements

⚓ Pay and reporting obligations

⚓ Consultation requirements

⚓ Employment tribunal processes

What are we doing to support your business?

Join Our Employment Rights Act 2025 – Update Call

To support organisations through these changes, Foreshore HR is hosting a dedicated Employment Rights Act 2025 – Update Call via Microsoft Teams.

During the session, we’ll cover:

⚓ Every confirmed change under the Act

⚓ Key implementation dates

⚓ What actions employers must take

⚓ Practical steps to prepare your business

⚓ Q&A with our HR specialists

To book your place, email the Foreshore HR Team at: contacthr@foreshorehr.com

Spaces are limited — secure your spot early to ensure your organisation is fully prepared for 2026 and beyond.