The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Commencement No. 6 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026
Mini Summary
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.
Amendment
The following sections of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (a previous update) come into force on 30th October 2026:
- section 20 (employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment);
- section 21 (harassment by third parties);
- section 22 (sexual harassment: power to make provision about “reasonable steps”);
- section 56 and Schedule 5 (seafarers’ wages and working conditions);
- section 59 (right of trade unions to access workplaces);
- section 60 and Schedule 6 (trade union recognition);
- section 64 (facilities provided to trade union officials and learning representatives); and
- section 65 (facilities for equality representatives).
Changes to rules for applications for recognition, declarations and complaints relating to trade unions only apply to events occurring from 30th October 2026.
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.
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