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ARTICLE · 28 JANUARY 2025

UK Employment Developments 2025

A&O Shearman
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2025 is set to be a demanding year for UK employers with a multitude of significant reforms on the horizon. While most Employment Rights Bill changes won't take effect until 2026...

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Sheila Fahy
Sheila Fahy
Felicity Gemson
Felicity Gemson
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2025 is set to be a demanding year for UK employers with a multitude of significant reforms on the horizon. While most Employment Rights Bill changes won't take effect until 2026, now is the time to start preparing for the new, more onerous, regulatory environment that will bring increased costs and risk, as well as a shift in the industrial relations dynamics.

There are rumours that the Bill could be watered down in response to business concerns, but it remains to be seen what, if any, concessions will be made, so it's safer to get ahead. Although the detail will be thrashed out in a series of consultations, there are areas where enough is known to start planning.

With the prospect of stronger collective and trade union rights, it is worth planning your strategy to manage union recognition requests and workplace access and other rights. If you are unionised, prepare for the lifting of trade union restrictions and for a heightened risk of industrial action soon

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