'Roadmap for change' | Government reveals Employment Rights Bill timeline - setting the clock ticking for HR

The Government has confirmed key dates for sweeping reforms to workers’ rights under the new Employment Rights Bill, with the first major changes set to come into effect in April 2026.

The roadmap, published today (July 1st), outlines how and when more than two dozen measures in the Bill will be introduced,  including sick pay reform, new rights from day one of employment, stronger trade union protections, and action against harassment and exploitative practices like ‘fire and rehire’.

What’s coming and when

From April 2026, employees will gain:

• Access to statutory sick pay from day one, with the lower earnings limit and waiting period removed

  Subscribe now to myGrapevine+ and get access to our comprehensive knowledge portal.

  Monthly

  £9 £27.99

  for the first 3 months

  T&Cs apply.

  or

  Annual

  £100 £299

  for the first year

  T&Cs apply.

  ---

  Already a subscriber?Sign in

  Welcome Back

  Business Email

  Password

  Sign in

  Forgot your password?

  Not a subscriber yet?