header-logo header-logo

Employment Rights Bill: what’s next?

228914
As the Bill nears the end of its journey in the Lords, Charles Pigott predicts its future
  • After a quiet committee stage, the Employment Rights Bill had a more tempestuous report stage, with government amendments that affect non-disclosure agreements, bereavement leave, fire and re-hire measures, and zero-hours and low-hours workers.
  • The first wave of measures will take effect on 6 April 2026. But day-one unfair dismissal rights and new protections for zero-hours and reduced-hours workers will be deferred until 2027.

The Employment Rights Bill completed its report stage in the House of Lords on 23 July. After a highly technical committee stage, more substantive amendments were passed at the report stage, including some non-government amendments. The third reading took place on 3 September, and the Bill will now return to the Commons for the Lords’ amendments to be considered.

A quiet committee stage

When the lengthy committee stage ended on 24 June after ten days of sittings, it was widely assumed that the Bill was nearing its

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

HFW—Guy Marrison

HFW—Guy Marrison

Global aviation disputes practice boosted by London partner hire

Morrison Foerster—Jenny Galloway & Luke Rowland

Morrison Foerster—Jenny Galloway & Luke Rowland

Firm grows London practice with two partner promotions

Hogan Lovells—David Hansom

Hogan Lovells—David Hansom

Government contracts and procurement practice expands with London partner hire

NEWS
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
CILEX has called for a review of conveyancing fees and stronger regulation of the high-volume residential property sector, in its response to government proposals for homebuying reforms
Pension provision should be considered during all divorce proceedings in order to repair gender inequality, the Pension Policy Institute (PPI) charity and workplace pensions provider now:pensions have said
‘Over-regulating’ the cryptoassets sector could stifle growth when the government brings regulations into force in 2027, a digital assets lawyer has warned
Solicitors received a new year’s boost this month with the announcement of an uplift to the guideline hourly rates
back-to-top-scroll