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  • Minimum service levels during certain strikes repealed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
  • Fair Work Agency is established
  • Protects sexual harassment disclosure

Consultations

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

  • Fire and rehire
  • Zero and low hour contract rights
  • Umbrella company regulation
  • Collective redundancies
  • Tipping policies
  • Flexible working
  • Trade union regulation
  • Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill

August 2026

Trade union balloting changes

1 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 inform workers of union rights
  • Duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment
  • Employer liability for third‑party harassment
  • Duty to consult: written tipping policies
  • Tribunal claim time limit extended
  • Stronger protections where some public sector staff are transferred

January 2027

  • Unfair dismissal qualifying period cut to 6 months; compensation cap removed
  • New limits on “fire and rehire”

2027 – No further detail on whether it is an April or October change

  • Offer guaranteed hours to zero hour/low‑hours workers; give reasonable shift notice and pay for cancelled or changed shifts
  • New collective redundancy trigger
  • Larger employers to publish gender equality action plans
  • Strengthened dismissal protections: pregnant employees/others
  • New reasonableness test: flexible working
  • Expands unpaid bereavement leave
  • Regulations specifying sexual harassment - employer taken all ‘reasonable’ steps
  • Umbrella companies regulation
  • Further industrial relations changes

ERA changes which currently have no planned implementation date

  • The voiding of some NDA or confidentiality terms
  • Statutory annual leave: record keeping duty

Reviews of employment policy areas

  • 18‑month review of family leave and pay due to report in 2027
  • Government may review TUPE
  • Expect a single worker status consultation

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