The Government has published an updated timeline for implementing key changes under The Employment Rights Act 2025, replacing the original July 2025 roadmap for implementation.
Key points:
- The provisions relating to fire and rehire (previously expected to come into force in October 2026) have been pushed back to 2027.
- The employment tribunal time limit changes look like they might slip from the current expected implementation date of October 2026 as the Policy paper states that they will come in ‘no earlier than October 2026’, leaving scope for slippage.
- Electronic and workplace balloting for trade unions will come in ‘no earlier than August 2026’ (having previously been lumped in with October 2026 changes).
- Implementation of the reduction in the unfair dismissal qualifying period to 6 months and removal of the compensatory award cap are both shown as January 2027.
The Fair Work Agency now has a precise establishment date of 7 April 2026.