After a debate between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the Employment Rights Bill received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025. That means the government remains on track for three major implementation phases in 2026.
It’s worth noting that the government has signalled that many of these major changes; specifically, the 6-month unfair dismissal qualifying period and the removal of the compensation cap. These changes are projected to take effect on January 1, 2027, while sick pay changes are expected in April 2026.