UK: Government publishes roadmap on employment rights roll out

UK delays key Employment Rights Bill reforms to 2027, including unfair dismissal protection, flexible working, and zero-hours contract ban, but still says this provides business clarity

The Key Points  The UK government has delayed several key employment law reforms, including day-one protection against unfair dismissal, guaranteed flexible working, and a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts, until 2027. Other measures, such as changes to statutory sick pay and parental leave, are also affected.

Why This Matters  These delays impact both employers and employees, postponing greater job security and flexibility for workers. For businesses, the revised timeline provides more certainty and time to adapt, but also prolongs the period of regulatory uncertainty.

What Might Happen Next  The government’s roadmap sets a new timeline for the rollout of these reforms, but further changes are possible depending on political developments and business feedback. Detailed guidance and commentary from legal experts are expected as the implementation date approaches.

What You Should Be Doing  Employers in the UK should update their planning to reflect the new timeline and stay informed via our analysis about further announcements or changes.

Lewis Silkin LLP commentary on the new roadmap by Colin Lecky and Gemma Taylor.