The Government has published a detailed roadmap setting out the phased approach that will be taken to implementing the various measures within the Employment Rights Bill, which fall broadly into three categories: new and updated rights and protections for workers; fair pay, terms and working conditions; and enforcement and trade unions.
Implementation will be staggered over the next two years in order to give employers time to prepare. The key timelines include after the Bill is passed this summer, April 2026, October 2026, and 2027. Build UK Partner Citation has published an overview of the reforms set out in the Bill, which is being regularly updated, and members are encouraged to prepare for the changes by reviewing their current processes, with a focus on more effective recruitment and induction of employees.
The Government has also launched a review into the parental leave and pay system to make it work better for parents and employers. It includes a call for evidence which is seeking views on whether the current entitlements provide sufficient time off with adequate pay, and the deadline for responses is Tuesday 26 August.
The first changes to the Points-Based Immigration System, set out in the Immigration White Paper, will be implemented from Tuesday 22 July. These include raising the threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level equivalent), which will remove 111 eligible occupations. However, there will be 52 occupations below RQF Level 6 on the ‘Temporary Shortage List’, which will remain eligible for a Skilled Worked Visa until the end of 2026, including occupation code 5322 floorers and wall tilers.
