ERA 2025 Implementation Timeline
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is being introduced in phases. Here is the full rollout calendar so you can plan ahead.
| Date | What Changes |
|---|---|
| 18 December 2025 | ERA 2025 receives Royal Assent. Trade union measure changes begin. |
| 18 February 2026 | Trade union industrial action reforms take effect. Stronger protections against dismissal during strikes. |
| 6 April 2026 | Day-one SSP; day-one parental leave; holiday pay record-keeping; Fair Work Agency launches; strengthened sexual harassment duty. |
| October 2026 | Unfair dismissal qualifying period reduces from 2 years to 6 months. Fire-and-rehire restrictions. Tribunal time limit increases to 6 months. |
| 2027 | Zero/low-hours guaranteed hours offer. Tighter flexible working refusal rules. NDA restrictions. Bereavement leave. Collective redundancy changes. |
Ready to act on these dates? Download the employer checklist here
Miss the October 2026 changes and your business could face unfair dismissal tribunal claims from employees with as little as six months’ service. Review your probationary and disciplinary procedures now.
Useful link: GOV.UK ERA 2025 Implementation Timeline