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The Employment Bill Is Expected to Receive Royal Assent in July 2025
The UK Employment Bill is finally nearing a significant milestone – Royal Assent, expected in July 2025. Although the law won’t come into force until sometime in 2026, this is the critical window for employers to get informed, review existing HR frameworks, and begin preparing for change.
At this stage, the bill’s contents are mostly confirmed, but the final legal wording and implications will only be known once Royal Assent is granted. That’s why July is the ideal time for your organisation to schedule an HR policy review or consultation.
What Will Happen in July?
- The government is expected to finalise and pass the Employment Bill into law by the end of July 2025.
- This will clarify exactly what rights and responsibilities employers will need to prepare for.
The Bill won’t take effect immediately – implementation will begin from 2026, likely in stages.
What Is Likely to Be Included?
Based on current drafts and consultations, the bill is expected to bring:
- Day-one rights for unfair dismissal and sick pay
- Introduction of a statutory probation period
- The right to guaranteed hours for zero-hours and agency workers
- Enhanced protections for pregnant employees
- An end to the practice of ‘fire and rehire’
- A new statutory right to bereavement leave
- Broader flexible working entitlements
- Extended tribunal time limits and stronger enforcement
Why You Should Act in July
Waiting until 2026 could leave your business scrambling. Instead, use this summer as your window to:
- Review and update your employment contracts and employee handbooks
- Evaluate current absence policies, especially around parental leave
- Train managers on the new legal obligations
Develop a timeline for implementation over the next year
How We Support You
Our retained HR service is built to guide UK employers through complex legal transitions. Once Royal Assent is confirmed, we can provide:
- A personalised breakdown of what the final Employment Bill means for your business
- A full compliance review of current policies and contracts
- Updated documentation in line with new laws
- Staff and management training
A clear roadmap for phased implementation by 2026
Contact Us Today
Don’t wait until 2026 to adapt. Book a free discovery call today to learn how our HR team can give you expert guidance on the final legal requirements and how to prepare your workplace for the upcoming changes. Our retained HR service gives you peace of mind now and legal compliance later. Let’s get your business future-ready.
This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Please be aware that the law may have changed since the article was published.
Articles may include links to external websites. We have no control over the content, availability or accuracy of these sites, and their inclusion does not imply endorsement or approval of the information or views expressed.
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