Horizon scanning timeline

This interactive timeline highlights the key changes and consultations taking effect in 2026 and continuing into 2027. To explore a specific area of interest, select the corresponding bullet point for further information.

Please note: These timings are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change

Click here for extended table overview

Timeline overview

In force

Imminent

Consultations

Not yet in force

18 December 2025

  • ERA received Royal Assent
  • Minimum service levels during certain strikes repealed

18 February 2026

  • Reduces industrial action regulation
  • Changes certification officer powers
  • Reduces public sector trade union “check off” rules

6 April 2026

  • Reduces trade union statutory recognition rules
  • Doubles the max. collective redundancy protective award
  • Day one rights - statutory paternity and unpaid parental leave
  • Statutory Sick Pay reforms
  • Protects sexual harassment disclosure
  • Holiday pay records

7 April 2026

  • Fair Work Agency is established

Consultations Launched or anticipated during the first half of 2026 (timing is currently uncertain)

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Fire and rehire
  • Zero and low hour contract rights
  • Umbrella company regulation
  • Collective redundancies
  • Tipping policies
  • Trade union regulation
  • Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill
  • Non-disclosure agreements
  • Equal Pay

25 August 2026

  • Trade union balloting changes

1 October 2026

  • Tribunal claim time limit extended

30 October 2026

  • Detriment protection for workers taking industrial action
  • Rights for unions to negotiate workplace access agreements
  • Trade union rights and protections extended
  • Duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment
  • Employer liability for third‑party harassment

January 2027

  • Unfair dismissal qualifying period cut to 6 months; compensation cap removed
  • Duty to inform workers of right to join a trade union
  • Duty to consult: written tipping policies

March 2027

  • New limits on “fire and rehire”
  • Larger employers to publish gender equality action plans (public authorities)

April 2027

  • Bereavement leave
  • Expands unpaid bereavement leave
  • Further industrial relations changes: extending blacklisting protections
  • New collective redundancy trigger
  • Larger employers to publish gender equality action plans (private and voluntary sector employers)

August 2027

  • Further industrial relations changes: electronic balloting for statutory recognition and derecognition ballots

September 2027

  • The voiding of some NDA or confidentiality terms

October 2027

  • Flexible working
  • Strengthened dismissal protections: pregnant employees

December 2027

  • Umbrella companies regulation

Exact timing to be confirmed

  • Offer guaranteed hours to zero hour/low‑hours workers; give reasonable shift notice and pay for cancelled or changed shifts
  • Regulations specifying sexual harassment - employer taken all ‘reasonable’ steps

Reviews of employment policy areas

  • Whistleblowing
  • 18‑month review of family leave and pay due to report in 2027
  • Government TUPE review
  • Expect a single worker status consultation
  • Carer’s leave consultation
  • Proposed changes to Time off for public duties
  • Review of right to be accompanied
  • Acas consultation on draft Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures
  • Non-Competes
  • Worker status

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