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ARTICLE · 03 FEBRUARY 2026

Upcoming Changes Under The Employment Rights Act 2025

Mayer Brown
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On 18 December 2025, the long-awaited Employment Rights Bill received royal assent and became the Employment Rights Act 2025 (the "Act"). The Act will bring into effect a number of significant...

United StatesEmployment and HR
Miriam Bruce
Miriam Bruce
Francesca Ingham
Francesca Ingham
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On 18 December 2025, the long-awaited Employment Rights Bill received royal assent and became the Employment Rights Act 2025 (the "Act"). The Act will bring into effect a number of significant changes to employment law over the next two years. For example, one key change under the Act is the reduction in the qualifying period for an employee to bring a claim for unfair dismissal, which will be reduced from two years to six months, with effect from 1 January 2027.

This Legal Update provides a summary of the key changes that will come into effect in the first half of 2026, which companies will need to start preparing for in advance.

Changes Taking Effect on 18 February, 2026

Increased dismissal protection for industrial action: The Act will remove the current 12-week qualifying period for claims in relation to termination of employment for taking part in industrial action. It will, therefore, become automatically unfair to dismiss an employee for participating

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This Mayer Brown article provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein.

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