Ep 13 - We can work it out #3: Preparing for the biggest change in UK Employment Law

The Employment Rights Act has now received Royal Assent and will bring the most radical changes to UK employment law in decades.

In this episode of our podcast's We can work it out series, John Patrick Hayes and Amanda Rajkumar explain what the Employment Rights Act means for UK employers in practice—not just in theory. They break down the key changes, including: 

• The reduction of the unfair dismissal qualifying period to six months
• The removal of the compensation cap for unfair dismissal
• Why these reforms will fundamentally change how employers recruit, manage performance, and make dismissal decisions.

The discussion explores why these changes are already a “now issue” for employers hiring in 2025 and 2026, how probation periods and onboarding processes will need to change, and why poor performance management is about to become a serious balance-sheet risk—particularly for higher-paid roles. The episode also looks at the likely impact on unfair dismissal claims, discrimination claims, senior hires, and settlement negotiations.

John and Amanda also examine wider reforms under the Act, including restrictions on fire and rehire, changes to zero-hours contracts, predictable working patterns, and the implications for agency workers, hospitality, care, logistics, and other flexible labour markets. Drawing on international experience, they compare the UK’s position with the US and Europe and explain why leadership quality and workforce planning will matter more than ever.

This episode is essential listening for employers, HR leaders, and business owners who want to understand what the Employment Rights Act will really change—and how to prepare before the new rules take effect.

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