The Employment Rights Act introduces the most significant set of workplace reforms in a generation, phased in across 2026 and 2027. From sick pay and family leave on day one, to stronger redundancy and whistleblowing protections, the changes reshape what employers must do to stay compliant. Add the launch of the Fair Work Agency, which brings several enforcement bodies under one roof, and the message is clear: getting hiring and employment practices right has never mattered more. With broken hiring already costing the UK £75 billion each year, employers can't afford to fall behind.
"The Employment Rights Act & the Fair Work Agency: What's Next?" is a complimentary guide designed to help you understand these reforms and take confident, practical action. It explains what's changing, when, and what it means for your policies, processes, and people. Whether you're updating contracts, preparing for new enforcement, or simply trying to make sense of the timeline, this resource brings the essentials together in one clear place.
Produced by The Better Hiring Institute in collaboration with Reed Screening, Sheridans, the University of Warwick, the TUC, Lee Barron MP (Chair of the Modernising Employment APPG), and Matthew Taylor (Chair of the Fair Work Agency), this guidance combines legal insight, policy expertise, and real-world evidence in a single practical document.
Why download the guide?
Understand the Employment Rights Act: Get a straightforward summary of the key changes across sick pay, family leave, redundancy, industrial action, dismissal, and whistleblowing, and learn when each one takes effect.
Prepare for the Fair Work Agency: Understand the role of the new enforcement body, how it brings existing agencies together, and what its evolving priorities mean for responsible employers.
Take practical compliance steps: Follow clear, actionable guidance on the actions you need to take to keep your organisation aligned with the updated legal framework.
Update your policies and processes: See exactly which policies, contracts, handbooks, and HR processes need reviewing, from Statutory Sick Pay to fire and re-hire restrictions.
Stay ahead of what's next: Learn how industry-led standards, better hiring practices, and responsible use of technology can help you meet the intent of these reforms, not just the letter.
What's inside?
An employer's guide to the Employment Rights Act, with key actions to remain compliant
A clear summary of new worker rights and what they mean in practice
An overview of the Fair Work Agency, its purpose, and its strategic direction
Recommendations from The Better Hiring Institute on building a fairer, more efficient labour market
Insights from the APPG on Modernising Employment, including progressed and proposed recommendations
This guide is designed for HR leaders, talent acquisition teams, hiring managers, employment law and compliance teams, business leaders, and anyone responsible for workforce planning or policy who wants to navigate these reforms with confidence.
The guide offers more than an overview of the legislation. It gives you a practical starting point to review your practices, prepare for enforcement, and strengthen your organisation through fairer, more effective hiring.
Download your free copy of "The Employment Rights Act & the Fair Work Agency: What's Next?" to explore the changes, timelines, and actions that will help your organisation stay compliant and ready for what's ahead. Your copy is available to download at the top of this page.