What is changing and when

Already in force

• 1 December 2025: ACAS early conciliation can last up to 12 weeks (was 6).
• 6 April 2026: Statutory Sick Pay from the first day off sick, with no lower earnings limit.
• 6 April 2026: Paternity leave and unpaid parental leave from day one.
• 6 April 2026: Reporting sexual harassment can be whistleblowing.
• 1 October 2026: Most tribunal time limits go from three months to six. Anything that happened before 1 October 2026 keeps the three-month limit.

Coming soon

• 30 October 2026: Employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, and can be responsible for harassment by customers and other third parties.
• 1 January 2027: Unfair dismissal protection after six months’ service instead of two years, where employment ends on or after that date. The cap on the compensatory award is removed.
• 2027 (planned, no date yet): Bereavement leave, including for pregnancy loss.

Later in 2027 the government plans further changes, including on zero-hours contracts and flexible working. We update this guide when dates are confirmed.

Read next

• What a tribunal claim involves
• Constructive dismissal