As the Bill nears the end of its journey in the Lords, Charles Pigott predicts its future
- After a quiet committee stage, the Employment Rights Bill had a more tempestuous report stage, with government amendments that affect non-disclosure agreements, bereavement leave, fire and re-hire measures, and zero-hours and low-hours workers.
- The first wave of measures will take effect on 6 April 2026. But day-one unfair dismissal rights and new protections for zero-hours and reduced-hours workers will be deferred until 2027.
The Employment Rights Bill completed its report stage in the House of Lords on 23 July. After a highly technical committee stage, more substantive amendments were passed at the report stage, including some non-government amendments. The third reading took place on 3 September, and the Bill will now return to the Commons for the Lords’ amendments to be considered.
A quiet committee stage
When the lengthy committee stage ended on 24 June after ten days of sittings, it was widely assumed that the Bill was nearing its final form, with no significant amendments expected.
The reprinted Bill
