Topics
This page is your go‑to hub for the latest updates and information on the ERA, as well as what your business needs to do to prepare for the changes. It brings together the latest developments, REC resources and opportunities for members to engage with the policy agenda.
The latest on the ERA Key REC resources 12-month legal timeline
Workers with regular working patterns will gain rights to guaranteed hours contracts, plus protections around notice of shifts and cancellation pay.
The qualifying period for unfair dismissal will drop from two years to six months, and the cap on unfair dismissal compensation will be removed. This increases risk and expands worker protections.
With strengthened enforcement under the FWA, penalties for issues such as underpayment, faulty record‑keeping, and other breaches will increase. Recruiters will face greater scrutiny over payroll accuracy, working time records, and agency worker protections working time records, and agency worker protections.
Employers will be required to inform workers of their right to join a trade union, with implementation currently expected from January 2027. Independent trade unions will also gain new statutory rights of workplace access, including digital access, from October 2026.
The Fair Work Agency (FWA) merged the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, GLAA and National Minimum Wage enforcement.
Ensure employment contracts, terms of engagement, assignment documentation and worker communications remain up to date as reforms come into force.
Check out the REC's template documents
As enforcement increases, recruiters should ensure they can demonstrate compliance with employment, pay, working time and agency worker obligations.
Explore the REC's legal guides
Provide up to date briefings to hiring managers on ERA reforms to mitigate legal risk and strengthen your relationships.
Book an REC speaker for your next client event
Actively monitor upcoming ERA reforms and related regulatory changes using resources such as REC Legal news and views, REC 12-month legal timeline, as well as our REC campaigns updates.
Explore REC's legal news and views
Join us on 3 December for a practical update on the latest changes to unfair dismissal law. We'll explore the key legal reforms, discuss how employers are preparing their people practices in response, and highlight what recruiters need to know to support clients, manage risk, and stay ahead of the changing employment landscape.
The REC advocates on behalf of our members and the UK recruitment industry to help ensure the Employment Rights Act supports fair work, labour market flexibility and economic growth. Through consultation responses and engagement with government, we work to represent recruiters’ expertise, protect access to flexible work and support practical, effective regulation for businesses and workers alike. See our latest consultations below.
The REC has prepared a template letter to help members raise concerns with their local MP about the Government’s guaranteed hours proposals. Download the letter, personalise it with details about your business, and send it to your MP to ensure they understand the value of recruitment, agency work, and labour market flexibility in their constituency.
Keep on top of the latest legal updates and what they mean for your recruitment business with the REC's 12-month legal timeline
