Employment Rights Bill – Upcoming Changes October 2026

There is an updated timeline published by the Department for Business & Trade for the implementation
dates for further changes following the Employment Rights Act 2025 which came into effect in April 2026.

1. Time limit for bringing an employment claim – 1 October 2026
The time limit for bringing a tribunal claim will increase from 3 months to 6 months.

2. Changes taking effect from 30 October 2026

a. Employers will be required to inform workers of their right to join a trade union.
b. Unions will have right of access to workplaces
c. Enhanced rights and protections for trade union representatives
d. New obligation on employers not to allow third parties to harass their employees
e. Employers must take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of their
employees