7 May 2026
A Defining Moment for HR in the UK
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces a wide range of reforms, including changes to statutory sick pay, enhanced protections for employees, stronger obligations around preventing harassment and new rights from day one of employment. These changes significantly raise the bar for compliance and place greater accountability on employers to proactively manage workplace practices.
One of the most impactful elements is the expansion of worker protections, meaning organisations must not only respond to issues but actively prevent them. HR must ensure hiring decisions are made correctly and probationary procedures tightly controlled. Day to day decisions for line managers will carry greater legal weight under the new legislation, requiring the implementation of robust policies, training, and oversight
At the same time, HR teams are navigating the practical implications of these changes in a challenging economic climate. Research shows that many UK employers are already feeling the pressure, with rising costs, evolving pay expectations, and talent retention all ranking among top concerns for HR in 2026. Some organisations are even reconsidering hiring strategies because of increased regulatory and financial pressures.
This perfect storm creates a delicate balancing act for the HR team, who must ensure compliance with new legislation whilst supporting business agility and growth.
Compounding this complexity is the continued evolution of workplace expectations. Hybrid working, wellbeing, and inclusive cultures remain high on the agenda, while the growing use of AI in HR processes introduces both opportunities and risks. In fact, the need for ethical and secure use of AI is now seen as a core HR responsibility, particularly as it intersects with data protection and employee relations.
As a result, the role of HR is becoming increasingly strategic. No longer confined to administrative or advisory functions, HR is now central to organisational decision-making; shaping culture, managing risk, and enabling performance.
Looking beyond 2027 and the many changes that will be introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025, HR must adopt a more proactive and data-driven approach to be successful. This includes investing in manager capability, strengthening employee relations processes, and leveraging technology to ensure consistency and compliance.
Ultimately, the Act is not just a compliance challenge, it is an opportunity. Organisations that respond effectively can build more resilient, transparent, and engaging workplaces.
For HR professionals, the message is clear. HR is no longer just supporting the business. It is helping to define its future.
Technology to support HR
Frontier Software delivers ichris Human Capital Management (HCM) software solutions to support people management. By streamlining communications and providing the information you need, our HCM software helps you to build an engaged workforce and create a fairer workplace. Contact Frontier Software here.
Article originally published on HR Grapevine May 2026.