5 Things Workers Need to Know About the Employment Rights Act 2025

Big changes are coming to the workplace. The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces new rights and protections that will affect everyone. Here are the five key things you should know.

1. Strikes and Industrial Action Are Safer

If you take part in a strike or other industrial action, your employer cannot fire you for it. The old rules that forced certain services to keep running during strikes have been removed, and trade union ballots have been simplified to make participation fairer.

2. Parental Leave and Sick Pay from Day One

Starting in April 2026, parental leave and paternity leave will be available from your very first day at work. Statutory sick pay will also start from the first day of illness and more employees will qualify because the minimum earnings limit has been removed. This gives workers faster access to important time off for health and family reasons.

3. Stronger Protections for Workers

Whistleblowers reporting sexual harassment are legally protected, so you cannot be punished for speaking up. Employers are encouraged to address gender pay gaps and provide support for employees going through menopause. They will also be responsible for preventing harassment from third parties such as customers, and new rules will prevent NDAs from being used to stop employees from reporting harassment or discrimination.

4. Better Shift and Contract Rights

From 2027, workers on zero-hour or low-hour contracts can request guaranteed hours if they want more stable schedules. Employers will be required to give reasonable notice for shifts, compensate workers if shifts are cancelled or shortened, and clearly explain any refused flexible working requests.

5. Stronger Unfair Dismissal and Fire and Rehire Protections

You will be protected from unfair dismissal after just six months on the job. Employers will no longer be able to dismiss employees and rehire them on worse terms, giving workers more job security and control over their working conditions.

These are just the highlights. You can read the full Employment Rights Act 2025 breakdown and all upcoming changes, including collective redundancy rules, trade union updates, bereavement leave, tipping policies, and new enforcement agencies.