06/08/2026
The government has released an update on the implementation timetable for the Employment Rights Act 2025, confirming specific dates for several important employment law changes.
⚠️ 30 October 2026 is now confirmed for a number of workplace measures, including trade union rights and protections, and employer duties relating to the prevention of sexual harassment, including third-party harassment.
Other confirmed dates include:
📅 31 August 2026 – electronic and workplace balloting for trade union ballots
📅 1 October 2026 – the time limit for breach of contract claims in England and Wales will increase to 6 months (Scotland will move to 6 months from 9 November)
📅 By the end of 2026 – updated tipping law expected to come into force
Looking ahead to January 2027, the planned changes remain unchanged, including reducing the unfair dismissal qualifying period from 2 years to 6 months, and introducing stronger fire and rehire protections
Our advice: use the confirmed timeline as an opportunity to start preparing now rather than waiting until the changes take effect.