Guides

Employment law changes affecting unions now in force

Among the important changes, dismissal for taking part in protected industrial action is now “automatically unfair”, removing the previous 12-week limit for claiming unfair dismissal and extending it through the whole period of industrial action.

Union anger at reports that young workers’ minimum wage rates may be retained

In its election manifesto, Labour promised that it would remove the age bands on the minimum wage rates which currently see a worker aged 21 and over earning £12.21 per hour while an 18-year-old colleague is paid £10 per hour.

Problems for one in three unemployed adults who want to work

The January 2026 labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics, show that one in three unemployed adults aged between 16–64 want to work (35.7%).

Trade union changes under ERA 2025 now in force

Described as the most significant reforms of trade union laws in a generation, a number of sections of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025) came into force on 18 February 2026, with the Government advising unions to review their internal policies and processes to ensure they are compatible with the new legislation.

Employers can claim back more maternity pay

Employers can currently reclaim 92% of employees’ statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, parental bereavement, neonatal care and shared parental pay.

Flexible working refusals to include reasonableness test - consultation

The Government has launched a consultation on improving access to flexible working as part of its Plan to Make Work Pay.