Employment Memo 2026

Employment law continues to evolve at pace, with 2026 marking the start of some of the most significant changes in years. From statutory sick pay reform and expanded family rights to strengthened protections around dismissal, flexible working and harassment, navigating compliance has never been more complex. Employment Memo 2026 is here to guide you every step of the way.

This comprehensive and practical resource delivers clear, accessible guidance across the full employment lifecycle, including discipline and grievances, absence management, pay and benefits, working arrangements, parental rights and termination. Written by experts and packed with real-world examples, it breaks down complex legal scenarios into clear, actionable advice, supported by direct links to key cases.

The 2026 edition has been fully updated to reflect the Employment Rights Act 2025 and other critical developments, such as:

Employment Rights Act 2025 reforms, including:

• Day one rights to paternity and unpaid parental leave
• Removal of SSP lower earnings limit and waiting period
• New tax regime for umbrella companies
• Potential six-year annual leave recordkeeping requirement

From October 2026:

• Employment tribunal time limits extended to six months
• Stronger restrictions on fire and rehire practices
• Expanded employer duties to prevent sexual harassment, including third party harassment
• Enhanced tipping laws requiring worker consultation

 Looking ahead to 2027:

• Unfair dismissal rights after six months and removal of the compensation cap
• Strengthened flexible working rights and protections
• New statutory bereavement leave, including pregnancy loss
• Enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers

Additional developments, including:

• Right to work changes and paid neonatal care leave
• Extended early conciliation periods
• Updated statutory payments, awards and penalties
• Tax and NIC changes following the Autumn Budget 2025
• New obligations under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
• Analysis of 90+ recent tribunal and court decisions across all areas of employment law