26/02/2026
I’m seriously considering starting a protest: Stop scaremongering SMEs about the changes to the Employment Rights Act.
I recently received an email claiming a whopping “173 new pieces of legislation” are heading for employers but a “free assessment” will save them from the impending doom.
My life is drama-free and simple, so let’s swap this for some Rachel reality.
I’ve been watching Gordon Ramsay on Netflix, so let’s talk food, specifically pizza because its a solid choice for me. 🍕
Claiming there are 173 new pieces of legislation is a little like Gordon telling you he’s prepared you a 50-course Michelin-starred tasting menu, only to serve you a single (albeit large) Pepperoni Pizza. He got to that "50" by counting every slice of meat, every grain of oregano, and every shred of mozzarella as a separate dish. Gordon could probably get away with it to be fair.
In reality...........
It’s one single Act.
Yes, it’s a big change.
Yes, we need to adapt.
But no, you don't have 173 separate monsters under your desk that you need to address.
My clients get small, bitesize updates focused on solutions to challenges that will affect their day to day. I don't overwhelm or confuse them with jargon or detail that they don't need or want to know - I'm the geek in the room.
The 6-Month Qualifying Period from January 2027 will affect people who you are hiring now, not just people recruited after the implementation - because by the time January arrives they will have at least six months service.
The solution? Get your recruitment and probation reviews right today.
Day-One Rights arriving in April 2026 for things like Statutory Sick Pay and Paternity Leave. These are "tweaks," not a total business overhaul.
Uncapped Compensation: Sounds terrifying, right? But if you act within the legislation (which isn't really changing that much), it’s a non-issue. When was the last time you were actually in an Employment Tribunal? Exactly.
Yes, this is not the full list before anyone comes at me. I know there are more and advise on them daily, but there certainly aren't 173 to list.
Please don't let these changes stall your growth or question whether you should hire someone or not.
They are all manageable with the right planning, structure and support.
I don't do dramatics, so if you prefer to talk about day to day pragmatic solutions, I look forward to sharing stories.
On a much more important note... has anyone else noticed the daffodils and snowdrops appearing? 🌼 That’s way more exciting than a 173-ingredient pizza!
P.S. For the real geeks out there: You probably heard 18th February mentioned. Don't panic, the laws didn't change overnight, that was just the date for transitional notice periods for employees who have a baby due this spring. The legal "Day One" right doesn't actually kick in until 6th April. See? Zen. 🧘♀️
