HR Insights: The new employment law landscape - Part One

In this episode of the HR Insights podcast, Stuart Elliott is joined by Paul Burton, employment solicitor at ViewHR, to explore the employment law changes that have already come into effect under the Employment Rights Act 2025. The conversation breaks down some of the most significant developments affecting UK employers, including changes to statutory sick pay, day-one rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave, new whistleblowing protections relating to sexual harassment and increased penalties for failures in collective consultation. Paul also explains the introduction of the Fair Work Agency and what its expanded enforcement powers could mean for organisations. From updating policies and procedures to strengthening manager training and absence management, the episode highlights why employers should treat these reforms as an organisational and people-management issue rather than simply a legal update. This is the first of a two-part conversation. In part two, Stuart and Paul will look ahead at the further employment law changes expected to come into effect and what organisations can do now to prepare. Key timestamps: 04:47 - Summary of the Employment Rights Act 2025 05:43 - Trade union reforms and industrial action changes 07:07 - Updates to sick pay and family rights 08:08 - Collective consultation and penalties for non-compliance 09:41 - Sector impact of new employment laws 10:14 - Details on the removal of the sick pay waiting period 11:18 - Importance of absence management and return-to-work interviews 13:25 - Paternity leave and parental rights from day one 18:04 - Sexual harassment protections under whistleblowing laws 27:21 - Introduction to the Fair Work Agency and its functions 30:20 - Implications of the Fair Work Agency for enforcement 31:09 - Advice for HR professionals and managers on legislative changes 32:37 - Training, support, and ongoing compliance strategies 33:36 - Conclusion and next steps for employers Listen / Watch more from HR Insights: Find all our streaming platforms and socials: https://linktr.ee/hr_insights_eshr View Transcript here: https://insights.elliottscotthr.com/f... About HR Insights: HR Insights is a global podcast by Elliott Scott, bringing together HR leaders and industry experts to discuss the trends, challenges and ideas shaping the future of work. Subscribe for future episodes covering HR leadership, workplace trends, talent, wellbeing, and the future of work.