The Employment Rights Act is set to bring significant changes for independent retailers in the UK throughout 2026 and beyond.
Whilst the Act (formerly the Employment Rights Bill) aims to enhance worker protections, it introduces new obligations that could impact staffing flexibility and operational costs. We've created one central hub for high street businesses to access the most relevant information and stay up-to-date on this key piece of legislation. Read the latest 2026 updates below.
Key FAQs on the Employment Rights Act
We've answered a number of the most burning questions for retailers about the upcoming changes in employment legislation.
One handy print-out for the key upcoming changes...
Bira Legal, in collaboration with WorkNest, havce created a verified one-stop printable one-page document summarising the key ERA changes for retailers. Members can download it here. Not a member? Find out more about membership and join today.
Listen to our Employment Rights podcast
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre discusses the Employment Rights Act with experts from Bira Legal and WorkNest on High Street Matters.
Zero-hour Contracts
The Employment Rights Act proposes to curb 'exploitative' zero-hour contracts by ensuring fair hours, proper notice, and compensation for cancelled shifts.
Trade Unions
The Employment Rights Act proposes stronger Trade Union rights, including workplace access and updated recognition rules.
Day One Rights
New legislation will make sick pay and family-friendly leave available from day one, with low earners eligible for SSP without a minimum earnings threshold.
Fire and Rehire
Employment law changes will make it automatically unfair to dismiss staff for refusing contract changes or rehiring on worse terms.
Unfair Dismissal
Employment law changes will give employees the right to claim unfair dismissal from six months in, removing the two-year qualifying period.
Single Enforcement Body
A new Labour Market Enforcement Body, the Fair Work Agency, will consolidate and strengthen enforcement of numerous workplace rights.
Flexible Working
Flexible working will become the default, with employers required to provide reasonable grounds when refusing employee requests.
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