[{"title":"2027-2030","name":"2027-2030","expanded":true,"parentNode":null,"path":[0],"lowerSiblingCounts":[2],"treeIndex":0,"id":1769435590234},{"title":"2027-2030","name":"Unfair dismissal","expandedForEdit":true,"value":"

The qualifying period to claim ordinary unfair dismissal is expected to be reduced from two years to six months and the cap on the compensatory award is expected to be abolished.

","parentNode":0,"path":[0,1],"lowerSiblingCounts":[2,1],"treeIndex":1,"id":1769437488016,"date":"1 January 2027","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2027-2030","name":"Employment tribunals","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Devolution of the Scottish ETs.

","parentNode":0,"path":[0,2],"lowerSiblingCounts":[2,0],"treeIndex":2,"id":1581955493468,"date":"Not before 2030","groupColour":{"colour":"#845ba6","id":1,"keyName":"General"}},{"title":"2026","name":"2026","expanded":true,"parentNode":null,"path":[3],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1],"treeIndex":3,"id":1739794511187,"scrollTarget":false},{"title":"2026","name":"Outsourcing","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Transferring workers are protected to ensure they are treated no less favourably than those transferred from the public sector.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,4],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,29],"treeIndex":4,"id":1769437430456,"date":"1 October 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Tips","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Employers must consult union or elected representatives about their written tips policy and review it at least once every three years.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,5],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,28],"treeIndex":5,"id":1769437394324,"date":"1 October 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"New trade union rights","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

A number of measures come into force, including:

Employers must give employees a written statement advising them of their right to join a union
Qualifying unions have the right to access workplaces physically and electronically
Union representatives have stronger rights to paid time off for their duties and access to facilities
Union equality representatives have new rights to time off and access to facilities
Union members have protection from detriment on the grounds of industrial action.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,6],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,27],"treeIndex":6,"id":1769437281399,"date":"1 October 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Harassment","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Employers are required to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment of their employees in the course of their employment from this date. They will also be liable for third party harassment of their employees.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,7],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,26],"treeIndex":7,"id":1769437244134,"date":"1 October 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Employment tribunal claims","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The time limit for bringing a claim is extended to six months for most claims.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,8],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,25],"treeIndex":8,"id":1769437074105,"date":"1 October 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Dismissal and re-engagement ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The new provisions relating to dismissal and re-engagement come into force.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,9],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,24],"treeIndex":9,"id":1769437042068,"date":"1 October 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Trade union ballots","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Electronic and workplace balloting is expected to be introduced.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,10],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,23],"treeIndex":10,"id":1769437005307,"date":"6 April 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Trade union recognition ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The 40% support threshold for recognition ballots is removed, together with the requirement for unions to demonstrate majority support.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,11],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,22],"treeIndex":11,"id":1769436974571,"date":"6 April 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Collective redundancy ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The maximum period of the protective award doubles to 180 days.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,12],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,21],"treeIndex":12,"id":1769436938271,"date":"6 April 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Fair Work Agency ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The Fair Work Agency is established.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,13],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,20],"treeIndex":13,"id":1769436788897,"date":"6 April 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Sexual harassment ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Reporting sexual harassment in the workplace becomes a protected disclosure.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,14],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,19],"treeIndex":14,"id":1769436594814,"date":"6 April 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Statutory sick pay","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The waiting period for eligibility and the lower earnings limit are removed.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,15],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,18],"treeIndex":15,"id":1769436509448,"date":"6 April 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Paternity and parental leave","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The six-month qualifying period for paternity and parental leave is repealed, bereaved fathers and partners are able to take up to 52 weeks of paternity leave, and employees are able to take paternity leave after a period of shared parental leave.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,16],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,17],"treeIndex":16,"id":1769436370924,"date":"6 April 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stronger-parental-leave-rights-to-give-millions-of-working-families-the-security-they-deserve"},{"title":"2026","name":"National minimum wage ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Increases to the national living wage and national minimum wage come into force.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,17],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,16],"treeIndex":17,"id":1765210420591,"date":"1 April 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"},"readMore":"https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/sites/default/files/2025-12/Factsheet_Employment_Key%20Facts%202025.pdf"},{"title":"2026","name":"Equality action plans ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Voluntary equality action plans are expected to be introduced for employers with 250 or more employees.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,18],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,15],"treeIndex":18,"id":1769436049219,"date":"April 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#845ba6","id":1,"keyName":"General"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Visitors will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Visitors from 85 countries – including the United States, Canada and France - will be required to obtain an ETA before they can legally enter the UK. Checks will be made at the port of exit, prior to travel, to enforce this. ETA applications must be submitted via the official ETA app. The current fee is £16 and the process is designed to be largely automated. Most applicants will receive approval within three working days of submitting their application.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,19],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,14],"treeIndex":19,"id":1765211754277,"date":"From 25 February 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#ffbb0e","id":2,"keyName":"Immigration"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Non-compete clauses ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The DBT is seeking views on various options to reform non-compete clauses in employment contracts.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,20],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,13],"treeIndex":20,"id":1765210113150,"date":"Closes 18 February 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#67c2dc","id":3,"keyName":"Consultation"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reform-of-non-compete-clauses-in-employment-contracts-working-paper/working-paper-on-options-for-reform-of-non-compete-clauses-in-employment-contracts"},{"title":"2026","name":"Paternity and parental leave","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Employees who gain paternity and parental leave rights on 6 April 2026 can give notice and evidence related to the leave from this date.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,21],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,12],"treeIndex":21,"id":1769435993027,"date":"18 February 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Trade unions and industrial action","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

A number of measures come into force, including:

Introducing additional protection for employees against dismissal for taking part in protected industrial action
Removing the support threshold for industrial action ballots in important public services
Reducing the information to be included in ballot notices and ballot papers
Extending the industrial action mandate from six to 12 months
Reducing the notice of industrial action to be given to employers from 14 to 10 days and reducing the information required.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,22],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,11],"treeIndex":22,"id":1769435914043,"date":"18 February 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trade-union-law-transition-to-employment-rights-act-2025"},{"title":"2026","name":"\"Earned settlement\" consultation","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The Government is consulting on its plans to reform the current settlement system. The consultation paper outlines significant changes to how individuals can obtain settlement - the right to live in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain). Key proposals include extending the standard qualifying period for most migrants from five years to 10 years and introducing “earned settlement”, a concept first raised in the Immigration White Paper. Under this approach, settlement will no longer be automatic after a fixed period. Instead, applicants must also demonstrate sustained good conduct, contribution and integration.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,23],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,10],"treeIndex":23,"id":1765211277882,"date":"Closes 12 February 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#ffbb0e","id":2,"keyName":"Immigration"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/earned-settlement"},{"title":"2026","name":"Employment Club webinar","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Members of our employment law team discuss the Employment Rights Act 2025 and important recent cases.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,24],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,9],"treeIndex":24,"id":1769435823399,"date":"5 February 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#86b140","id":4,"keyName":"Event"},"readMore":"https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/uk/insights/events/employment-rights-act-2025-what-you-need-know-now"},{"title":"2026","name":"Bereavement leave","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The DBT is consulting on leave for bereavement, including pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,25],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,8],"treeIndex":25,"id":1769441478080,"date":"Closes 15 January 2026","groupColour":{"id":3,"keyName":"Consultation","colour":"#67c2dc"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/make-work-pay-leave-for-bereavement-including-pregnancy-loss?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=077d82dc-24b3-4234-9374-70e01e2019f8&utm_content=immediately"},{"title":"2026","name":"Temporary Shortage List review: stage two","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The Migration Advisory Committee is calling for evidence on workforce shortages and initiatives to maximise the domestic workforce.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,26],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,7],"treeIndex":26,"id":1762270672927,"date":"Closes 2 February 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#ffbb0e","id":2,"keyName":"Immigration"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/temporary-shortage-list-review-stage-2"},{"title":"2026","name":"Code of Practice on electronic and workplace balloting ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The DBT is consulting on a new draft Code of Practice for conducting electronic, hybrid and workplace balloting for statutory trade union ballots.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,27],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,6],"treeIndex":27,"id":1769441478324,"date":"Closes 28 January 2026","groupColour":{"id":3,"keyName":"Consultation","colour":"#67c2dc"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/make-work-pay-draft-code-of-practice-on-electronic-and-workplace-balloting-for-statutory-union-ballots"},{"title":"2026","name":"Immigration webinar","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Our experts explore the latest UK immigration changes and upcoming updates, and the practical implications for employers.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,28],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,5],"treeIndex":28,"id":1769435699070,"date":"28 January 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#86b140","id":4,"keyName":"Event"},"readMore":"https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/uk/insights/events/immigration-changes-whats-changed-and-whats-next"},{"title":"2026","name":"Disclosure of spent convictions","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

An Order broadening the range of roles requiring the disclosure of spent convictions or cautions comes into force in England and Wales.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,29],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,4],"treeIndex":29,"id":1765210061294,"date":"21 January 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2026","name":"Fair pay agreement process in adult social care","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The Department of Health and Social Care is gathering views on the design of a fair pay agreement process in England.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,30],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,3],"treeIndex":30,"id":1769441477264,"date":"Closes 16 January 2026","groupColour":{"id":3,"keyName":"Consultation","colour":"#67c2dc"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fair-pay-agreement-process-in-adult-social-care/fair-pay-agreement-process-in-adult-social-care-consultation-document"},{"title":"2026","name":"Enhanced dismissal protections","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The DBT is seeking views on enhancing workplace protections against dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,31],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,2],"treeIndex":31,"id":1769441477759,"date":"Closes 15 January 2026","groupColour":{"id":3,"keyName":"Consultation","colour":"#67c2dc"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/make-work-pay-enhanced-dismissal-protections-for-pregnant-women-and-new-mothers?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=1db63161-331a-4d71-b036-bd405be22375&utm_content=immediately"},{"title":"2026","name":"Higher English language requirement for some immigration applications","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The English language requirement for new applicants under the Skilled Worker visa, Scale-up and High Potential Individual visa routes is raised to Level B2 (previously Level B1).

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,32],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,1],"treeIndex":32,"id":1769435563954,"date":"8 January 2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#ffbb0e","id":2,"keyName":"Immigration"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-language-requirement-levels-for-immigration-applications/english-language-requirement-levels-for-immigration-applications"},{"title":"2026","name":"Paternity leave (bereavement) ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

All bereaved fathers and partners are expected to get paternity leave, with no qualifying period of service (to be confirmed).

","parentNode":3,"path":[3,33],"lowerSiblingCounts":[1,0],"treeIndex":33,"id":1718019323762,"date":"2026","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"},"readMore":""},{"title":"2025","name":"2025","expanded":false,"parentNode":null,"path":[34],"lowerSiblingCounts":[0],"treeIndex":34,"id":1642510259216,"scrollTarget":true},{"title":"2025","name":"Bereaved partner's paternity leave","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Bereaved fathers and partners are entitled to paternity leave from day one of employment and can take paternity leave if they have already taken shared parental leave.

","parentNode":34,"path":[34,35],"lowerSiblingCounts":[0,5],"treeIndex":35,"id":1769435480137,"date":"29 December 2025","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2025","name":"Minimum service levels ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 is repealed.

","parentNode":34,"path":[34,36],"lowerSiblingCounts":[0,4],"treeIndex":36,"id":1769435443493,"date":"18 December 2025","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}},{"title":"2025","name":"Increase to Immigration Skills Charge ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The Immigration Skills Charge payable by sponsors when they assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to non-exempt sponsored workers increases by 32%.

","parentNode":34,"path":[34,37],"lowerSiblingCounts":[0,3],"treeIndex":37,"id":1762270628512,"date":"16 December 2025","groupColour":{"colour":"#ffbb0e","id":2,"keyName":"Immigration"},"readMore":"https://statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk/instrument/PKdRBQjq"},{"title":"2025","name":"Right to Work Scheme ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The Home Office is consulting on extending right to work checks to the gig economy. It proposes to expand the Right to Work Scheme to cover those who engage individuals as casual or temporary workers under a worker's contract, individual sub-contracts, and online matching services.

","parentNode":34,"path":[34,38],"lowerSiblingCounts":[0,2],"treeIndex":38,"id":1762270593455,"date":"Closes 10 December 2025","groupColour":{"colour":"#ffbb0e","id":2,"keyName":"Immigration"},"readMore":"https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/extending-the-right-to-work-scheme"},{"title":"2025","name":"New online HR1 form ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

Use of a new online HR1 form, for the advanced notification of collective redundancies, becomes mandatory.

","parentNode":34,"path":[34,39],"lowerSiblingCounts":[0,1],"treeIndex":39,"id":1759938048213,"date":"1 December 2025","groupColour":{"colour":"#845ba6","id":1,"keyName":"General"},"readMore":"https://submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/691/hr1-advanced-notification-of-redundancies/1745"},{"title":"2025","name":"Acas early conciliation ","expandedForEdit":false,"value":"

The Acas early conciliation period increases from six to 12 weeks.

","parentNode":34,"path":[34,40],"lowerSiblingCounts":[0,0],"treeIndex":40,"id":1765209799634,"date":"1 December 2025","groupColour":{"colour":"#66717e","id":0,"keyName":"Legislation"}}]

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