Free employment rights seminars for employers
BY MARTIN WALKER
HR2day founder Nicky Jolley is advising employers of sweeping changes in the Employment Rights Bill with two exclusive seminars.
FITTING THE BILL
HR experts HR2day are inviting employers to two exclusive seminars this autumn, designed to help businesses prepare for the sweeping changes coming under the new Employment Rights Bill.
The events – one at The Work Place on Aycliffe Business Park on Thursday, October 17, and the other at Porsche Centre Teesside on Thursday, November 7 – will give employers a clear breakdown of the reforms, timelines and practical steps they need to take.
The Employment Rights Bill, which is expected to receive Royal Assent, represents the most significant shake-up of UK employment law in decades.
From strengthening trade union rights and changing redundancy processes, to introducing new day-one entitlements for employees, the reforms will affect businesses of every size and sector.
For employers, the changes mean greater obligations around transparency, worker rights and workplace culture.
HR2day’ s seminars are aimed at business leaders, managers and HR professionals who want to understand not just the legal requirements, but also how to implement them smoothly and avoid costly disputes.
“ Employers need to act now,” said Nicky Jolley, managing director of HR2day.
“ The Bill isn’ t just a few tweaks around the edges – it’ s a wholesale reform of how we employ, manage and support our people.
“ Businesses that prepare early will find themselves in a much stronger position than those who wait until deadlines hit.”
According to HR2day’ s roadmap, some measures will take effect almost immediately, while others will be phased in between 2026 and 2027. Highlights include: Immediate reforms – Repeal of the
Strikes( Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, simplification of industrial action notices and stronger protections against dismissal for taking part in industrial action.
By April 2026 – Statutory Sick Pay available from day one of employment; removal of the Lower Earnings Limit; paternity and unpaid parental leave becoming day-one rights; whistleblowing extended to include sexual harassment reports; collective redundancy protective award and the creation of the new Fair Work Agency.
By October 2026 – employers must inform workers of their right to join a trade union, fire-and-rehire practices will be restricted, tribunal claim time limits extended to six months, increased protection against detriment for industrial action and employers required to take“ all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment, including from third parties such as customers.
By 2027 – unfair dismissal protection from day one, replacing the current twoyear qualifying period; guaranteed hours for zero-hours and low-hours workers; flexible working as a default right; mandatory gender pay gap and menopause action plans; further harassment change, compensation for cancelled shifts, increased pregnancy and maternity rights, new rights around bereavement leave, and tighter regulation of umbrella companies.
These changes will require employers to update contracts, policies and working practices – and, in many cases, rethink how they manage staff.
The seminars will provide a practical guide to navigating the reforms, with real-world advice on how employers can adapt. Attendees will have the chance to put questions to HR2day’ s experts and network with fellow business leaders facing the same challenges.
“ The Employment Rights Bill is about creating fairer workplaces, but it also creates a huge compliance burden for employers,” added Nicky.
“ Our aim with these seminars is to take away the uncertainty and give businesses a clear action plan.”
Event details Newton Aycliffe Seminar The Work Place: Thursday, October 17, from 9.30am Teesside Seminar Porsche Centre Teesside: Thursday, November 7, from 9.30am Both events are free to attend for local employers, but spaces are limited. To register, visit hr2day. co. uk / events or email helpdesk @ hr2day. co. uk
ANNUAL BALL HR2day is hosting its fifth annual charity ball, raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance – a party of glam, fun and laughter! Venue: Coleman Suite, Hardwick Hall Hotel Date: Saturday, May 16, 6pm Cost: £ 750 per table Email helpdesk @ hr2day. co. uk
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