Autumn’s not just about cosy jumpers and Halloween – it’s also bringing some shifts in UK employment law. These laws have been talked about for a while now, and in particular, the Employment Rights Bill. The government’s new roadmap outlines a number of changes set to come into effect once the Employment Bill gets Royal Assent, expected sometime this Autumn. The rest of the changes now being pushed back to April 2026 at the earliest.

So, what’s on the cards this Autumn? Here’s what to expect:

• Goodbye to the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023
  This legislation, which placed limits on strikes in key sectors, is being repealed. This is particularly relevant to certain industries such as health, transport, education, fire
  and rescue, border control, and waste management services. It will give workers more freedom to take industrial action.
• Most of the Trade Union Act 2016 is going too
  The majority of this Act is being repealed. It has been seen as placing unnecessary hurdles in the way of unions; this move aims to redress that balance.
• Changes to trade union political funds
  The rules around how unions manage and use their political funds are being updated. The focus is on simplifying the process, but we’ll need to see the finer
  details when they land.
• Industrial action processes to be simplified
  Currently, organising industrial action involves a fair bit of red tape. The plan is to
  streamline the process and make it easier for workers to act collectively.
• Stronger protection from dismissal for striking workers
  And finally, perhaps the most significant shift for businesses, employees taking part
  in lawful industrial action will be given stronger protections from being dismissed.
  This could make a real difference for those exercising their right to strike.
  

All in all, this Autumn looks set to bring in a new era for employment law in the UK when it comes to trade unions and workers’ rights. We’ll keep you updated as more detail emerges, but one thing’s for sure – change is definitely on the way.