Be Aware UK

News and views from DLA Piper's Employment team

Employment Rights Act 2025: Consultations on the trigger for collective redundancy consultation and detriments for taking industrial action

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On 26 February the government published two further consultation papers on the implementation of aspects of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA): Make Work Pay: threshold for triggering collective redundancy obligations consultation and Make Work Pay: protection from detriments for taking industrial action – GOV.UK. Collective consultation threshold In addition to retaining the existing trigger […]

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First major Employment Rights Act measures come into force

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On 18 February, the first major measures of the Employment Rights Act (ERA) come into force. The ERA repeals the majority of the Trade Union Act 2016 and significantly relaxes the requirements of the process for organising industrial action. For industrial action ballots opening on or after 18 February, the ERA simplifies requirements on trade unions in

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Consultations on implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025: Flexible working, fire and rehire and tipping

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The government has published three further consultation papers on implementation of aspects of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA), covering flexible working, fire and rehire and tipping. Flexible working Currently, all employees have the right to make a flexible working request . Employers can refuse an application for any of these reasons: Extra costs that

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Revised timetable for implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025

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On 3 February the government published a revised timetable for implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA). Whilst most of the timing remains unchanged from the roadmap published in July 2025, there are some notable changes, particularly in relation to the restrictions on fire and rehire, which move to January 2027. This is the

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EAT clarifies when collective redundancy consultation is triggered: Micro Focus Ltd v Mildenhall

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In Micro Focus Ltd v Mildenhall, the EAT considered when collective redundancy consultation obligations under section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULRCA) are triggered and in particular the impact of the ECJ’s decision in UQ v Marclean Technologies SLU (Marclean). s.188, which implements the Collective Redundancies Directive (Directive), states that ‘Where

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Employment Rights Bill receives Royal Assent, becoming the Employment Rights Act 2025

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The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, becoming the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA). When the ERB was first laid before parliament in October 2024, it was promoted as ‘the most extensive overhaul of workers’ rights in generations’. Wide-ranging amendments were made in both the House of Commons and House

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UK immigration update December 2025

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The UK Government has announced a series of immigration reforms that will reshape sponsorship costs, compliance obligations, visa eligibility and settlement pathways. These changes reflect a continued policy focus on reducing net migration and tightening employer responsibilities. Below we provide an overview of the key developments, the practical implications, and what employers should do now.

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FCA responds to Committee recommendations in 2024 ‘Sexism in the City’ report

/ Employment, Financial services

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has responded to the Treasury Committee on its non-financial misconduct (NFM) actions. The FCA is working with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on potential guidance on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. An FCA survey shows declining use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) since 2021, and this trend is

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Working paper seeks views on options to reform non-competes in employment contracts

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The government has issued a working paper seeking views on options to reform non-compete clauses in employment contracts, with the aim of boosting labour market dynamism, supporting innovation, reducing barriers to recruitment and protecting workers. The options considered are: Statutory limit on length (for example, 3 months, possibly varying by company size). Complete ban on

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Employment Rights Bill: Latest developments

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The government has issued two further consultation documents on aspects of the Employment Rights Bill (ERB), a consultation on a draft code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting for statutory union ballots, and the terms of reference for a review of employment rights of unpaid carers. Meanwhile, the parliamentary ping pong process on the

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Employment Rights Bill: Four consultation papers issued on bereavement leave, enhanced dismissal rights for pregnant women and new mothers and union rights

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The government has published four consultation papers on the details of forthcoming changes in the Employment Rights Bill (ERB), which is expected to gain Royal Assent in the next few weeks. The consultation papers cover: Bereavement leave. Enhanced dismissal rights for pregnant women and new mothers. The duty to inform workers of their right to

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UK Immigration Update: Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules

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On 14 October the Government published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (the Statement), impacting the Skilled Worker and other UK visa routes. The Statement implements further elements of the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper published on 12 May 2025. The changes impacting Skilled Workers will take effect from 8

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The digital transformation of immigration: EES, ETIAS, and UK eVisas

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The global immigration landscape is undergoing a major digital shift. Both the European Union and the United Kingdom are introducing new systems to modernize border control, enhance security, and streamline travel. Here’s what you need to know about the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), as well as the

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Redefining employer liability: The UK’s Border Security, Asylum & Immigration Bill 2025 and the new era of immigration compliance

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Earlier this year, we published an article on the expansion of the illegal working regime to the gig economy. At that time, the Government had signalled its intention to close compliance gaps in modern labour models. Since then, the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025 has progressed through Parliament, and the latest updates confirm

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Virgin Media – legislative remedy (pensions)

/ / Employment, Pensions

On 1 September, the Government published a series of amendments to the Pension Schemes Bill 2025 (Bill). These amendments include new clauses implementing the Government’s promised remedy following the Court of Appeal decision in Virgin Media Ltd v NTL Pension Trustees. The remedy will enable trustees to obtain retrospective actuarial confirmation that historic changes to contracted-out

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