Are your HR documents ready for the employment law changes?
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is changing UK employment law in stages through 2026 and 2027. A significant first wave of changes came into force in April 2026 and employers whose policies, payroll processes and manager guidance haven't been updated may already be out of date.
Already in force
Sick pay. Statutory Sick Pay is now paid from the first day of absence, and the lower earnings limit has gone. Payroll needs to reflect this.
Family leave. Paternity leave and unpaid parental leave are now day-one rights. Policies and handbooks that still mention a qualifying period are out of date.
Whistleblowing. Reporting sexual harassment is now a protected disclosure. Your whistleblowing policy should say so.
Collective redundancy. The maximum protective award for failing to consult has doubled, so getting consultation wrong now costs much more.
Enforcement. The new Fair Work Agency can now enforce rights such as holiday pay and Statutory Sick Pay directly.
Trade unions. Several trade union rules have changed, including on recognition and industrial action.
Changing now
Since 1 October: employees have six months, not three, to bring most tribunal claims.
From 30 October: employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, including harassment by clients and other third parties.
Coming next
From 1 January 2027: employees gain unfair dismissal rights after six months' service, and the cap on compensation is removed.
Through 2027: changes covering guaranteed hours, flexible working, bereavement leave, protection for pregnant employees and new mothers, and action plans on gender equality and menopause.
Updating your policies is the easy part. The real risk is whether managers follow the process, and whether you can prove it.
The ERA-Ready Lite Review
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is changing UK employment law in stages through 2026 and 2027. Some changes are already in force, and more arrive in January.
Whether you’ve already updated your HR documents or haven’t yet had time, it helps to know where you stand. An independent view helps even more.
ERA-Ready Lite is an independent review of your key HR documents. It shows what’s in place, what needs attention and what to do next.
For business owners: a simple way to see where action is needed.
For HR professionals: independent verification of work you’ve already done, with clear findings to share with your CEO or Board.
What you get, for £395 + VAT
We review up to six of your key HR documents against the relevant changes, such as your contract template, handbook, and your probation, disciplinary, grievance and harassment policies. You get:
An assessment of each document
A RAG rating showing what’s in place, what needs attention and where the gaps are
A prioritised action plan setting out what needs doing and when
A report you can share with your CEO, Board or leadership team
Your report arrives within five working days of us receiving your documents.
ERA-Ready Lite reviews your documents on the date we assess them. It isn’t legal advice, and it doesn’t include the ERA-Ready certificate.
Need assurance beyond your documents?
Having the right policies matters. But being ready also means managers follow the process, and you can prove it.
The Full ERA-Ready Review goes further. It assesses your documents, processes, manager capability and evidence. Organisations that meet the standard receive the ERA-Ready certificate. Full Reviews start from £750 + VAT.
ERA-Ready: independently verified by The HR Agency
Organisations that meet the required standard from a full ERA-Ready Review receive an ERA-Ready certificate, valid for 6 months. We keep it short on purpose, because several changes due in 2027 are still being finalised.
ERA-Ready is independent assurance of your readiness on the date we assess you. It is not a guarantee of legal compliance or a substitute for legal advice.
Book your Review
Fixed fees, paid when you book:
ERA-Ready Lite@ £395 + VAT
Or book your full ERA-Ready Review:
Up to 20 employees: £750 + VAT
21 to 50 employees: £950 + VAT
51 to 100 employees: £1,200 + VAT
Over 100 employees:
Have a discount code? Enter it at checkout.
By booking, you agree to our Booking terms.