The start of 2026 brings several important changes for employers following the Employment Rights Act 2025 and other late‑year developments. Our new update highlights the most significant shifts set to transform how employers manage people, processes, and risk.
Our latest report brings together the 10 most important developments you need to prepare for, such as:
- Major reforms introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025, including changes to unfair dismissal rights, extended early conciliation timelines and increased tribunal claim windows.
- Updates to family‑related leave, with paternity and unpaid parental leave becoming day‑one rights from April 2026.
- Government proposals to overhaul non‑compete clauses, which could reshape recruitment and retention strategies.
Alongside these, the report also explores recent case law, new restrictions on NDAs, employment status decisions, and statutory rate increases for April 2026 - all designed to give employers a clear, practical understanding of what’s changing and how to prepare.
Access the complete overview below of all 10 developments, including timelines and recommended employer actions.
