Employment Rights Act: what SME employers need to prepare for next

Webinar: recorded on Wednesday 14 October 2026

The Employment Rights Act (ERA) is continuing to reshape employment law, with important changes already in force and reforms taking effect over the coming months and into 2027.

In this recorded webinar, employment law experts Helen Mannix and Andrew Souter, joined by Head of Employment Simon Gilmour, take a practical look at what the changes mean for SME employers and where businesses should be focusing their priorities.

The session includes a practical discussion around the reforms, and the steps employers should be taking, followed by a short Q&A session.

Important update - since this webinar was recorded, the government confirmed on 22 October 2026 that the new fire and rehire restrictions will take effect in March 2027, rather than January 2027 as previously expected. The recording has been updated to flag this change. The separate unfair dismissal reforms remain scheduled for 1 January 2027.

What the webinar covers

• What should already be in place – a recap of the main ERA changes introduced during 2026.
• Employment tribunal claims – what the new six-month time limit introduced from 1 October means for disputes and record-keeping.
• Sexual and third-party harassment – the practical steps employers should be taking ahead of the stronger preventative duties from 30 October.
• Trade union reforms – what the new workplace access and recognition rules could mean for employers.
• Unfair dismissal and fire and rehire – preparing for the six-month unfair dismissal qualifying period from January 2027 and the new fire and rehire restrictions from March 2027.
• What comes next – a look at further reforms in 2027, including zero-hours contracts, flexible working, bereavement leave and enhanced protections for pregnant women and new mothers.

The webinar also shares a practical framework to help you assess the changes, prioritise your next steps and plan ahead.

Who should watch?

This webinar is for SME business owners, senior leaders, HR professionals and people managers who want a practical understanding of the ERA changes and the priorities for their business.

You don’t need to have watched our previous ERA webinar to benefit from the session.

Watch the webinar on demand

Complete the form below, and we’ll send the webinar recording straight to your inbox, along with useful resources to help you work through the ERA changes.

This webinar was recorded on 14 October 2026. The guidance reflects the position at the time of recording and may be subject to change as employment law and guidance develop.