Getting ready for employment reforms in 2026

The Employment Rights Bill represents the largest change to employment legislation in a generation. The Bill, which is likely to receive Royal Assent in the coming weeks, features a host of significant legislative reforms designed to improve access to secure and high-quality work.

Key measures including limiting ‘exploitative’ zero-hour contracts, the introduction of new ‘day one’ employment rights for all workers on flexible working, sick pay, parental leave, a reduction in the duration of unfair dismissal and a new Fair Work Agency to ensure compliance with employment law.

For many workers and senior leaders, these are likely to be the biggest changes to employment law in their working lives. Work Foundation analysis has indicated that the key reforms could benefit millions of workers, particularly in disadvantaged groups and insecure work sectors.

The Government has set-out a two-year implementation roadmap for the Bill. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to explore the key changes coming up in 2026 and how workers and employers can prepare.

Speakers will be announced in due course.

A further session on changes slated in for 2027 will be held later in the year.