The Employment Rights Bill: What Employers Need to Know
As part of the UK Government’s “Make Work Pay” reform programme, the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill represents one of the most significant updates to employment law in recent years.
For most organisations, these legislative changes will have a direct impact on recruitment, HR policy, and day-to-day people management. Being prepared now, will help businesses stay compliant and maintain a positive employee experience in a changing landscape.
At CMA HR Recruitment, we understand that navigating change can be challenging, particularly for smaller businesses without in-house HR teams. That’s why we support organisations across the South in building strong, adaptable HR functions and can help prepare your business through:
- Interim HR support during transition or transformation.
- Permanent HR and leadership appointments.
- Strategic recruitment partnerships to strengthen capability.
Key Changes for Employers
- The Introduction of Day-One Employment Rights
Employees will gain access to a broader range of employment rights from their very first day, including protections linked to unfair dismissal and other statutory entitlements.
- The Expansion of Statutory Sick Pay and Parental Leave
Eligibility and flexibility will be enhanced, providing greater support for employees managing health challenges or family responsibilities.
- New Compliance Duties
Employers will face new obligations around dismissal procedures, harassment prevention, and third-party conduct, placing a greater emphasis on proactive HR policies, documentation, and training.
- Reforms to Union Engagement, Pay Transparency & Contractual Stability
The Bill encourages open dialogue with staff representatives, greater pay transparency, and more stable contractual arrangements, particularly relevant for organisations using variable or zero-hour contracts.
How We Can Help
If you’d like to receive a copy of our Employment Rights Bill briefing document or discuss how we can support your team in adapting to these upcoming changes, we’d love to hear from you!
We’re also pleased to share that CMA HR Recruitment has partnered with Paris Smith LLP to deliver an Employment Law Update seminar for our clients in Q1.
This exclusive session will provide practical insight into the implications of the Employment Rights Bill and what it means for employers in 2026 and beyond.
📩 To request your copy of the briefing or to register your interest in the event, please contact:
Michelle Peña Stapleton – Associate Manager (HR Division)
📞 023 9248 0524 michelle.penastapleton@cmarecruitment.co.uk
Alasdair Risk – Head of HR Division
📞 023 8063 8046 alasdair.risk@cmarecruitment.co.uk
About CMA Recruitment Group
CMA Recruitment Group is a leading independent recruitment consultancy supporting businesses across the South of England in HR, Accounts, Finance, and Executive support.
Our HR division works closely with organisations of all sizes, connecting them with exceptional HR talent and providing practical guidance on workforce transformation, strategic HR initiatives, and talent management.
Whether through interim support, permanent appointments, or advisory services, CMA helps businesses build strong, future-ready HR teams.