Government Announces Updated Timeline for Employment Rights Act 2025

The Government has published an updated implementation timetable for the Employment Rights Act 2025, marking several changes to previously announced timelines. The key changes include the pushback of Fire and Rehire provisions, and the confirmation of a precise date for the establishment of the Fair Work Agency.

Key Timeline Changes

Fire and Rehire Provisions – Moved to January 2027

Fire and rehire protections have been rescheduled to take effect in January 2027 alongside the unfair dismissal reforms – this is a push back from the previous implementation date of October 2026, which provides employers with additional time to prepare for the new restrictions on this practice.

Employment Tribunal Time Limits – Potential Delay

Previously scheduled for October 2026, the revised policy paper sets out that the changes to the employment tribunal time limits will now come into force “no later than October 2026”, leaving headroom for potential delays beyond this date.

Trade Union Balloting Reforms – Brought Forward

Electronic and workplace balloting provisions for trade unions have been separated from the broader October 2026 stages and will now be implemented “no earlier than August 2026”, representing a slight acceleration from the previous timescale.

Unfair Dismissal Reforms – Confirmed for January 2027

Two significant reforms to unfair dismissal law are now scheduled for January 2027:

• Reduction of the qualifying period from two years to six months (for dismissals from 1 January 2027); and
• Removal of the compensatory award cap.

Fair Work Agency – Launch Date Confirmed

In an attempt to provide greater certainty, the Government has set a precise establishment date for the Fair Work Agency of 7 April 2026. This new enforcement body will play a crucial role in overseeing employers’ compliance with the existing employment rights legislation.

You can read the full implementation roadmap here: Implementation Roadmap, and keep up to date with our Ashtons Legal page on the Employment Rights Bill here.

Contact our employment law solicitors today

If you have any questions or concerns about the updates provided above, please contact a member of our Employment Law team. You can use our online enquiry form or call 0330 191 5713.