The Employment Rights Act isn’t just about individual rights. It’s also significantly reshaping the industrial relations landscape. Whether you operate in a unionised environment or not, these changes matter. 

If you thought HR disputes couldn’t get more complicated, the Employment Rights Act is about to add another layer. From  October 2026, the time limit for bringing most employment tribunal claims will double from three months to six months. 

Here’s what business owners need to know, how it impacts HR, and why early planning is the key to staying compliant and commercially ready.