Employment Rights Act | 'Fire & rehire' protections delayed until 2027 - breathing space for HR or greater legal risk later?

The Government has delayed the introduction of new protections against “fire and rehire”, pushing the ban back by more than three months to January 2027, under an updated timeline for the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Originally due to come into force in October 2026, the change gives employers additional breathing space before restrictions on dismissing and re-engaging staff on worse terms take effect. However, employment experts warn the delay should not be mistaken for a softening of policy intent, or a sign that the reforms will be less disruptive than first feared.