Employment Rights Act 2025: government publishes updated factsheets

Background

On 21 January 2026, the government published five updated factsheets covering different aspects of the Employment Rights Act 2025. These relate to preventing workplace sexual harassment, public sector outsourcing, social care negotiating bodies and fair pay agreements, trade unions, and unfair dismissal.

The factsheets are intended to provide a clear, accessible overview of the reforms introduced by the Act. Each sets out what is changing, how the new regime differs from the previous legal framework, when the changes are expected to come into force, and whether any further consultation is planned. In some areas, notably workplace sexual harassment and unfair dismissal, the factsheets also include headline statistics and responses to commonly asked questions.

What the factsheets cover

Although the level of detail varies, the factsheets are consistent in structure and focus. They explain the policy intent behind the reforms, summarise the practical effect on employers and workers, and flag transitional issues and next steps. For higher-profile reforms, such as the duty to prevent sexual harassment and the changes to unfair dismissal rights, the government has sought to address areas of uncertainty that employers have been raising since Royal Assent.

Learning points for employers

The factsheets are a useful overview of the government’s current thinking, but they are not a substitute for the legislation or for legal advice. Employers should continue to track commencement dates, guidance and consultations, and take advice on how the reforms apply in practice.

For more information or advice, please contact Khadija Khatun in our Employment team.