The UK Government has unveiled its roadmap for the new Employment Rights Bill, which introduces a range of changes designed to enhance worker protections and bring employment practices in line with the evolving workplace landscape. For employers, this means staying ahead of new legal obligations while maintaining operational efficiency.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the horizon—and how you can start preparing.

1. Clearer rules around flexible working

The new Bill gives employees the right to request flexible working from day one of employment. This shift is likely to increase the number of flexible working requests, meaning businesses must ensure they have the right systems in place to manage and respond promptly.

How LeavePlanner can help: Keep track of flexible working patterns with clear visibility across teams. With customisable settings and access controls, managing hybrid or part-time working becomes straightforward.

2. Enhanced protection for pregnant employees and new parents

Expect stronger protections against redundancy for pregnant workers and those returning from maternity, paternity, or adoption leave. Businesses will need to be extra cautious and transparent when making workforce decisions.

What to do now: Make sure your absence management software accurately records parental leave types and durations, so you stay compliant and avoid accidental oversights.

3. Extended leave entitlements for carers

The new legislation introduces a statutory right for unpaid carer’s leave—up to one week per year for employees caring for dependents.

How LeavePlanner can help: Add and manage custom leave types, such as carer’s leave, to support your people while keeping your records in order. Flexible settings allow you to align leave types with the latest legal updates.

4. Improvements to redundancy consultation rights

There will be tighter regulations around redundancy consultations, especially for employees on fixed-term contracts or returning from family-related leave. HR teams will need to ensure processes are fair and well-documented.

Tip: Use LeavePlanner’s reporting tools to review absence history and ensure transparency when assessing redundancy risk, helping you make more informed decisions.

5. Stronger enforcement of holiday pay and entitlements

Holiday pay calculations and clarity around entitlements are under renewed focus, particularly for irregular hours or part-year workers.

Avoid confusion: LeavePlanner simplifies holiday accrual tracking for all types of employees, so there’s no ambiguity when it comes to balances or entitlement.

Plan Ahead, Stay Compliant

Preparing early is the best way to avoid disruption when these changes come into force. Reviewing your leave and absence processes now will give your business the flexibility and confidence to navigate the new rules with ease.

If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to manage leave, absences, and flexible working—and would like to see what LeavePlanner can offer—feel free to call Steve on 01252 636 070 or email support@leaveplanner.com for more information.