In this episode of the HR Insights podcast, Stuart Elliott is joined by Paul Burton, employment solicitor at ViewHR, to explore the employment law changes that have already come into effect under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
The conversation breaks down some of the most significant developments affecting UK employers, including changes to statutory sick pay, day-one rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave, new whistleblowing protections relating to sexual harassment and increased penalties for failures in collective consultation.
Paul also explains the introduction of the Fair Work Agency and what its expanded enforcement powers could mean for organisations. From updating policies and procedures to strengthening manager training and absence management, the episode highlights why employers should treat these reforms as an organisational and people-management issue rather than simply a legal update.
This is the first of a two-part conversation. In part two, Stuart and Paul will look ahead at the further employment law changes expected to come into effect and what organisations can do now to prepare.
Key timestamps:
04:47 - Summary of the Employment Rights Act 2025
05:43 - Trade union reforms and industrial action changes
07:07 - Updates to sick pay and family rights
08:08 - Collective consultation and penalties for non-compliance
09:41 - Sector impact of new employment laws
10:14 - Details on the removal of the sick pay waiting period
11:18 - Importance of absence management and return-to-work interviews
13:25 - Paternity leave and parental rights from day one
18:04 - Sexual harassment protections under whistleblowing laws
27:21 - Introduction to the Fair Work Agency and its functions
30:20 - Implications of the Fair Work Agency for enforcement
31:09 - Advice for HR professionals and managers on legislative changes
32:37 - Training, support, and ongoing compliance strategies
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