Jurisdiction: Great Britain
Commencement: 18th February 2026 & 6th April 2026
Amends: Employment Rights Act 1996
Mini Summary
Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 employees are protected from unfair treatment or dismissal by an employer in relation to performing of certain health and safety functions or duties. Most of the Act is not directly relevant to management of health and safety.
Duties
Employers must treat employees fairly and not discriminate or dismiss them for performing any of the health and safety duties or functions outlined in the summary section above. If the employer infringes these rights, they can be ordered to pay compensation.
Amendment
Various requirements made under The Employment Rights Act 2025 (a previous update) are brought into force, including requirements in relation to:
- zero hour workers;
- the right to flexible working;
- paternity leave;
- bereavement leave;
- contractual duties of confidentiality relating to harassment and discrimination;
- dismissal during pregnancy; trade unions and industrial action etc.;
- enforcement of labour market legislation; and
- powers to create regulations covering requirements.
This amendment has no direct relevance to occupational health and safety matters.