Businesses across Essex are being urged to review their employment practices now as the next wave of major changes to UK employment law draws closer.
Changes introduced through the Employment Rights Act 2025 are being phased in throughout 2026 and 2027, with further measures due to come into force from October.
From 1st October, the time limit for bringing most Employment Tribunal claims will increase from three to six months, while further reforms will follow in January 2027, including reducing the qualifying period for ordinary unfair dismissal claims from two years to six months.
To help local employers understand what the reforms will mean in practice, Essex-based HR specialists Impact HR are bringing together business leaders and HR professionals for a free Employment Law, People & Performance seminar at Layer Marney Tower, near Colchester, on Tuesday 15th September.
The event will look at the latest position surrounding the Employment Rights Act 2025, including confirmed changes, expected implementation dates and the practical implications for employers.
Juliet Irving, Director of HR Operations at Impact HR, said: “There has been much discussion around employment law changes recently, so it is difficult for employers to separate what has already changed, what is definitely coming and what is still being consulted on.
“Our message to Essex employers is not to panic, but equally not to wait until new legislation comes into force before thinking about what it means for their organisation.
“This is a good opportunity to look at the way you recruit and manage people, how probation periods are being used, whether managers are having the right conversations about performance and whether your policies and processes will continue to protect the business as employment rights evolve.
“We want employers to come away understanding what they genuinely need to be thinking about now, rather than being overwhelmed by everything they are hearing about employment law reform.”
The event will also examine the role workplace culture, employee engagement and leadership play in attracting and retaining employees and improving business performance.
Aimed at business owners, directors, HR professionals and managers from across Essex, the event is free to attend and will include practical sessions, discussions, networking and a live question-and-answer session. Lunch will also be provided.
Places can be booked through Eventbrite at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-performance-and-the-employment-rights-act-tickets-1996086084211
