On Wednesday, 9th October, Winsearch hosted our first HR Leadership Forum in partnership with JMW Solicitors, bringing together over 25 HR leaders from a range of industries for a morning of discussion, insight, and connection.
The event, presented by Simon Bloch, Partner at JMW Solicitors, focused on the Employment Rights Bill (ERB), one of the most significant overhauls of employment legislation in recent years. With many of the proposed reforms now progressing through Parliament, the session provided valuable clarity for HR professionals preparing to navigate the changes ahead.
A Forum for Knowledge and Collaboration
The HR Leadership Forum series, powered by Winsearch, is designed to create a space for HR professionals to share experiences, explore current challenges, and gain access to expert insights. This latest session was no exception, offering a balance of legal expertise, practical takeaways, and collaborative discussion.
Attendees represented a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing and logistics, as well as professional services and technology. The breadth of perspectives enriched the conversation, especially as organisations face evolving expectations around flexibility, compliance, and employee engagement.
After an engaging presentation by Simon Bloch, the event concluded with an open networking session, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and reflect on how the Bill’s developments could impact their workforce strategies.
Understanding the Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill, first introduced in the House of Commons in October 2024, aims to reshape the UK’s employment landscape by addressing fairness, flexibility, and worker protection. It covers an extensive range of topics, from zero-hour contracts and unfair dismissal to statutory sick pay and family-friendly rights.
Simon provided an overview of the Government’s roadmap, outlining what HR teams can expect as the Bill moves towards Royal Assent, expected in November 2025. He also shared practical considerations to help businesses prepare for compliance once the changes take effect.
Key discussion points included:
-
Zero-hour contracts: Employers will need to offer guaranteed hours to eligible workers, supported by clearer rules on shift notice and cancellation pay.
-
Unfair dismissal: The qualifying period for protection will be reduced from two years to day one, ensuring all employees have immediate rights from the start of their employment.
-
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): SSP will become a legal right for all workers, removing the three-day waiting period and the lower earnings limit, thereby extending protection to approximately 1.3 million low-income workers.
-
Fire and rehire: The Bill will make it automatically unfair to dismiss an employee for refusing to accept a contract change, except in cases of genuine financial distress that poses a threat to business survival.
-
Family-friendly provisions: Day-one rights for bereavement leave and the removal of qualifying periods for paternity and unpaid parental leave reflect a wider commitment to work-life balance and inclusion.
These developments will require HR teams to reassess their policies, training, and documentation to ensure alignment with the upcoming legal standards.
Looking Ahead
As Simon noted, “The Employment Rights Bill represents one of the biggest shifts in employment law in decades, but it also presents an opportunity for organisations to strengthen their people strategies, build trust, and future-proof their operations.”
The event concluded with lively discussions over refreshments, during which attendees exchanged insights on the practical implementation, risk management, and the cultural impact of these changes.
At Winsearch, we’re proud to facilitate forums that encourage collaboration and help HR leaders stay informed in an ever-changing landscape. Our partnership with JMW ensures that our clients and network have access to both strategic workforce expertise and legal clarity as they navigate the next steps.
If you missed this session, follow us on LinkedIn for details of our next HR Leadership Forum, where we’ll continue exploring the key issues shaping the world of work.
