APSCo Update - Employment Rights Act Implementation Timelines

This document provides a timeline and summary of the key reforms introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025 and related legislative changes rolling out from December 2025 to January 2027. It highlights what recruitment companies and employers need to prepare for, including:

• Immediate legal changes following Royal Assent in December 2025.
• Step‑by‑step implementation of new employment rights such as:
  • Day‑1 rights for paternity leave and unpaid parental leave.
  • Statutory Sick Pay reforms, including wider eligibility and removal of waiting days.
  • Expanded whistleblowing protections and increased redundancy consultation penalties.
• Establishment of the Fair Work Agency in April 2026, bringing stronger enforcement of labour standards.
• Strengthened employer duties regarding sexual harassment prevention and changes to Employment Tribunal time limits expected in October 2026.
• Major 2027 reforms including:
  • Reduced unfair dismissal qualifying period (down to six months).
  • Restrictions on fire‑and‑rehire practices.
• Additional measures strengthening trade union rights, access, and protections.