{"id":13809,"date":"2023-03-17T21:08:30","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T11:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/employment-relations-flexible-working-bill\/"},"modified":"2025-09-07T07:28:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-07T07:28:30","slug":"employment-relations-flexible-working-bill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/employment-relations-flexible-working-bill\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull blog-template-header has-neutral-100-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div style=\"--bb--crumb-gap:.4em;\" class=\"blog-template-breadcrumb 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8.36398864,11.4636626 L9.59594229,9.94923914 C10.0136795,9.43578101 9.94709821,8.67146367 9.44693666,8.24224316 C8.94677511,7.81302264 8.20254916,7.8816073 7.78481199,8.39527139\" id=\"Fill-4\" fill=\"#000000\" mask=\"url(#mask-4)\"><\/path> <\/g> <\/g> <\/g> <\/g> <\/svg> \n    <\/span>\n            <span class=\"eh-social-sharing-button__copied_text\">\n            URL copied for sharing!        <\/span>\n    <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><h1 class=\"blog-template-title wp-block-post-title\">What is the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023?<\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"blog-template-sub-title\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--9);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--9);line-height:1.5\">\n    Let&#8217;s break down this flexible working law and what it means for employers.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-template-meta-row is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-query wp-block-hosts-query has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-query-is-layout-1 wp-block-query-is-layout-constrained\"><ul data-wp-interactive=\"eh-hosts\" class=\"wp-block-post-template is-layout-flow wp-container-core-post-template-is-layout-1 wp-block-post-template-is-layout-flow\"><li data-host-index=\"0\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.openDetail\" class=\"wp-block-post post-1620 hosts type-hosts status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><figure style=\"width:52px;height:52px;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/EH_Favicon-120x120.png\" class=\"attachment-host_thumbnail size-host_thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"border-radius:60px;height:52px;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/EH_Favicon-120x120.png 120w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/EH_Favicon-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/EH_Favicon.png 239w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-sm-font-size is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><h6 style=\"line-height:1.3; border-right-width:1px;border-right-color:var(--wp--preset--color--black); padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--2);\" class=\"has-text-align-center has-link-color wp-elements-1e20e747939e3458765ab321928f59b7 wp-block-post-title has-text-color has-violet-500-color has-sm-font-size\">The Team<\/h6><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-sm-font-size\" style=\"border-left-style:none;border-left-width:0px;padding-left:0\">Published<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date has-sm-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2023-03-17T21:08:30+00:00\">Mar 17, 2023<\/time><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-sm-font-size\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neutral-700);border-left-width:1px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--2)\">Updated<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date__modified-date wp-block-post-date has-sm-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-09-07T07:28:30+00:00\">Sep 7, 2025<\/time><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-sm-font-size\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neutral-700);border-left-width:1px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--2)\">8 mins read<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull blog-image-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized blog-template-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/06\/FlexibleWorkPolicy_DownloadableHeader_27062021_JuM.png-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:864px;height:561px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-15 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" id=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"content-single-table-content\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group content_single content_single--blog content-single-content-wysiwyg wysiwyg content-wrapper has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--4)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group content_single content_single--blog content-single-content-wysiwyg wysiwyg content-wrapper has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--4)\">\n<p>In 2023, the UK government passed a new bill that changed the way employees work. <a href=\"https:\/\/bills.parliament.uk\/bills\/3198\">The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill<\/a> aims to give employees additional rights to request flexible working arrangements from their employers, changing the way businesses operate and how employees balance their work and personal lives.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flexible-working-the-backstory\">Flexible working \u2013 the backstory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/2014\/1398\/made\">The Flexible Working Regulations 2014<\/a> came into force, employees have the right to request changes to their employment contract terms relating to their hours, times and place of work to enable flexible working, such as working from home or having flexible start and finish times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All employees have the legal right to request flexible working, and such requests are known as \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/flexible-working\/applying-for-flexible-working\">making a statutory application<\/a>\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/flexible-working\">Under that legislation<\/a>, employees had to have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks to be eligible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2021, the government ran a consultation on \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/consultations\/making-flexible-working-the-default\">Making flexible working the default<\/a>.\u2019 The outcomes of the consultation were published in December 2022, including plans to introduce the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-employment-relations-flexible-working-act-2023\">What is the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/bills.parliament.uk\/bills\/3198\">Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023<\/a> is legislation that came into effect from 1st April 2024. It aims to give employees greater access to flexibility over where, when and how they work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, employees are able to request flexible working from day one of their employment, rather than only being permitted after 26 weeks in their role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The act amends the Employment Rights Act 1996 to change the current right to request flexible working in the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Removing the requirement for employees to explain in their request what effect they think it will have on the employer and suggest ways to mitigate them;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allowing employees to make two flexible working requests in any 12 month period instead of the one currently allowed;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prohibiting employers from rejecting an application without having discussed the flexible working requests and explored other options with employees; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reducing the deadline for an employer decision on flexible working requests from three months to two months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The law applies to England, Scotland and Wales. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, the government considers that the onus is on employers to design flexibility into roles, recruitment processes and work arrangements, rather than putting the onus on employees in the first days of their job. However, this is not prescribed in the legislation. More guidance will follow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-do-we-need-flexible-working-legislation\">Why do we need flexible working legislation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cipd.org\/uk\/about\/news\/flex-from-first-flexible-working\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.cipd.org\/uk\/about\/news\/flex-from-first-flexible-working\/\">CIPD\u2019s #Flexfrom1st campaign<\/a>, research revealed that flexible working practices were not fair, with 46% of British employees saying they didn\u2019t have access to flexible working arrangements as part of their current role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research carried out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplemanagement.co.uk\/article\/1793760\/jobseekers-prefer-flexibility-four-day-week-research-suggests\">by Reed<\/a> found that job seekers were increasingly searching for vacancies offering flexible working, which were reportedly more popular than four-day week working arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our own research, carried out in 2022, found that flexibility is here to stay, and wellbeing is a top priority. 88% of knowledge workers would work remotely at least one day per week. The top two reasons that employers continue to support remote working are improved wellbeing and happiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But with employees prevented from making more than one request in the space of 12 months, and with considerable onus on the employee to explain what effect their request might have on the employer and how to mitigate it, more was needed. Both the Conservative and Labour parties <a href=\"https:\/\/commonslibrary.parliament.uk\/research-briefings\/cbp-9648\/#:~:text=The%20Employment%20Relations%20(Flexible%20Working)%20Bill%202022%2D23%20is,for%20the%202022%2D23%20session.\">pledged to expand flexible working rights<\/a> in their 2019 manifestos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bill\u2019s sponsor, Yasmin Qureshi, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.politicshome.com\/thehouse\/article\/from-maternity-rights-to-terminal-illness-support-the-house-guide-to-2022-private-members-bills\">believes<\/a> it will ensure that more people can access flexible working and act as a catalyst to address the barriers faced by women, the disabled, carers, and older people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-have-government-and-industry-figures-reacted-to-the-employment-relations-flexible-working-bill\">How have government and industry figures reacted to the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The CIPD has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cipd.org\/uk\/about\/news\/flexible-working-anniversary\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.cipd.org\/uk\/about\/news\/flexible-working-anniversary\/\">campaigning<\/a> to make the right to request flexible working a day one right since 2020. Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lbc.co.uk\/news\/employees-will-be-able-to-ask-for-flexible-working-on-day-one-of-new-job-under-n\/\">said<\/a> the bill will help <em>\u201cnormalise conversations about flexibility at the start of the employment relationship, with significant benefits for employees in terms of wellbeing and work-life balance\u201d.<\/em> Claire McCartney, senior policy adviser at the CIPD, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplemanagement.co.uk\/article\/1803708\/flexible-working-bill-solve-existing-issues\">said<\/a> it would <em>\u201copen up opportunities more fairly\u201d <\/em>for all employees, <em>\u201cincluding those who aren\u2019t able to work remotely\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplemanagement.co.uk\/article\/1811683\/flexible-working-new-rules\">91%<\/a> of respondents to the government\u2019s consultation, including large employers, were in favour of the \u2018day one\u2019 right proposal. But not everyone agreed. Small businesses in particular were concerned that such early conversations could lead to friction if the employer denied a request or was forced to renegotiate contracts immediately after someone had started work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The right to request flexible working is not a \u2018right to have\u2019 flexible working, and employers retain the right to reject a request on one of the eight existing business-related grounds. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplemanagement.co.uk\/article\/1811683\/flexible-working-new-rules\">63%<\/a> of employer respondents felt that this was the correct approach, while some considered that the reasons should be expanded to give business priorities greater protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplemanagement.co.uk\/article\/1803708\/flexible-working-bill-solve-existing-issues\">People Management<\/a> also polled HR and legal experts to determine what impact the bill might have, finding that many praised the change in law, but warned it could take time to fully bed in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"should-employers-encourage-flexible-working\">Should employers encourage flexible working?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/resources\/remote-work-report\/\">All the evidence<\/a> points to the fact that flexible working has so many benefits for employers and employees alike. Employers who encourage flexible working can benefit from increased job satisfaction, productivity, and work-life balance among their employees. Additionally, offering <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/products\/employer-of-record\/\">flexible working arrangements<\/a> can help businesses attract and retain top talent, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the benefits of flexible working is increased job satisfaction as employees are able to balance their work and personal commitments more effectively. This can lead to a <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/wellness-at-work-report\/\">happier and more motivated workforce<\/a>, which is likely to be more productive and engaged. Moreover, employees who are given the opportunity to work flexibly are more likely to feel valued and trusted by their employer, which can lead to greater loyalty and commitment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can also boost productivity for businesses. By allowing employees to work when and where they are most productive, employers can ensure that their workforce is making the most of their time. For example, employees who are able to work from home may be able to avoid long commutes or work outside of traditional office hours when they are most productive. This, in turn, can lead to increased output and better results for the business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are challenges for employers to overcome in managing a flexible workforce effectively and maintaining a sense of team spirit and collaboration, the benefits of flexible working are clear. Employers who are able to adapt to the changing needs of their employees and offer flexible working arrangements will be better placed to attract and retain top talent, increase productivity, and create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-can-employers-prepare-for-flexible-working-requests\">How can employers prepare for flexible working requests?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the first steps is to invest in new technology that can facilitate <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/the-remote-first-workplace-playbook\/\">remote working<\/a>. Besides a shiny, new, fit-for-purpose <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/solutions\/hr-reporting-software\/\">HRIS system<\/a>, other tech upgrades might include providing laptops or tablets to employees so that they can work from home, ensuring that all necessary software and applications are available remotely, and setting up secure networks for remote access. By investing in the <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/remote-working-software\/\">right technology<\/a>, employers can ensure that their employees can work effectively from anywhere, without compromising on productivity or security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another important step is to develop <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/flexible-working-policy-template\/\">new policies<\/a> that ensure all employees are treated fairly and equally. This could include policies on working hours, leave entitlements, and performance targets. Employers should ensure that their <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/what-is-a-workplace-policy\/\">policies<\/a> are transparent and open to all employees, so everyone is aware of what is expected of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Communication is key to ensuring that all employees feel connected and engaged, regardless of their location. Employers should implement communication strategies and team-building activities to foster a sense of team spirit and collaboration among their employees. This might include scheduling regular video meetings and company-wide all hands meetings, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/free-online-team-building-games\/\">team-building events<\/a> and virtual social activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, employers should consider security measures to ensure that remote working arrangements are secure and confidential. This might include using virtual private networks (VPNs) or secure file-sharing systems to protect sensitive information. Employers should also provide <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/what-is-an-lms\/\">training<\/a> on how to use these security measures effectively, and regularly review their security protocols to ensure that they are up to date with the latest threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By taking these steps, employers can ensure that they are prepared for flexible working requests and can create a supportive and inclusive working environment for all employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stay-up-to-date-with-uk-employment-law-changes\">Stay up-to-date with UK employment law changes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 has had a significant impact on UK employers and the nation\u2019s workforce. While there are challenges for employers to overcome, the benefits of flexible working arrangements are clear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By offering more flexibility, businesses can attract and retain top talent, increase productivity, and create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 is a step towards creating a more modern and flexible working environment in the UK, benefiting both employees and employers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-trigger-modal=\"request-a-demo-modal\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">Talk to an employment specialist<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:410px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group right-sticky-side-panel has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained wp-container-2 is-position-sticky\">\n    <div class=\"top-sticky-form is-layout-flow wp-block-marketo-form-is-layout-flow\" class=\"wp-block-employmentherocom2025-marketo-form\">\n        <div class=\"right-sidebar-wrapper\">\n            <button class=\"top-form-trigger\" data-sticky-form-trigger=\"\">\n                <div class=\"top-form-trigger-container\">\n                    <div class=\"top-form-trigger-container__preheader\">\n                        Download now\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"top-form-trigger-container__title\">\n                        The essential guide to HR compliance in the UK                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"top-form-trigger-close\">\n                    <svg class=\"icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 15\">\n                        <path 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data-marketo-form=\"{&quot;is_multi_steps&quot;:false,&quot;form_data&quot;:[{&quot;base_url&quot;:&quot;\/\/hr.employmenthero.io&quot;,&quot;munchkin_id&quot;:&quot;387-SZZ-170&quot;,&quot;form_id&quot;:&quot;5069&quot;,&quot;css_classes&quot;:&quot;&quot;}],&quot;submit_text&quot;:&quot;Download now&quot;,&quot;success_handling_method&quot;:&quot;thank_you_page&quot;,&quot;redirect_url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;thank_you_message&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;add_lead_linking_id&quot;:false,&quot;add_drift_campaign_id&quot;:false,&quot;drift_campaign_id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;thank_you_page_id&quot;:&quot;32311&quot;,&quot;thank_you_page_url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/thank-you\/downloadable\/?origin=employment-relations-flexible-working-bill&amp;origin_id=JYspd4Uqae5ICeFF9m7WyoCXV9AqMxwVncxKO5yPIq0JvhfsmP1d5wC0cp5OkkA9iTlpG5BZPUXU2pCFficFEw%3D%3D&quot;,&quot;progress_indicator_type&quot;:&quot;stepper&quot;,&quot;enable_revenue_hero&quot;:false,&quot;revenue_hero_router_id&quot;:&quot;4668&quot;,&quot;revenue_hero_thank_you_message&quot;:&quot;Thank you for booking!&quot;}\"><\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-16 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-link-arrow is-style-link-arrow--3\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-btn-brand-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/resources\/?topic%5B0%5D%5B0%5D=Product\">View all<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-query blog-3-col-query-loop is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"columns-3 alignfull wp-block-post-template is-layout-grid wp-container-core-post-template-is-layout-2 wp-block-post-template-is-layout-grid\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-50869 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized resource-type-blog\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-19 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;width:100%;height:100%; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/legally-required-background-checks-hiring\/\" target=\"_self\"  style=\"height:100%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/29fa30ac109030e9e8624c87ce04dc7f.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"What UK employers are legally required to check before hiring\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/29fa30ac109030e9e8624c87ce04dc7f.webp 1600w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/29fa30ac109030e9e8624c87ce04dc7f-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/29fa30ac109030e9e8624c87ce04dc7f-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/29fa30ac109030e9e8624c87ce04dc7f-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/29fa30ac109030e9e8624c87ce04dc7f-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/29fa30ac109030e9e8624c87ce04dc7f-440x248.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-3-col-details wp-container-content-3 is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-18 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-17 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/blog\/\" rel=\"tag\">Blogs<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/legally-required-background-checks-hiring\/\" target=\"_self\" >What UK employers are legally required to check before hiring<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-2\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Civil fines of up to \u00a345,000 await UK employers who miss pre-hire checks. This guide covers what the law requires&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/legally-required-background-checks-hiring\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: What UK employers are legally required to check before hiring<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/legally-required-background-checks-hiring\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-50792 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-in-depth-analysis resource-type-blog\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-22 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;width:100%;height:100%; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/employment-rights-act-fire-and-rehire\/\" target=\"_self\"  style=\"height:100%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Fire-and-Rehire-Restrictions-Under-the-Employment-Rights-Act-A-UK-Employers-Guide-.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Fire and Rehire Restrictions Under the Employment Rights Act: A UK Employer&#8217;s Guide\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Fire-and-Rehire-Restrictions-Under-the-Employment-Rights-Act-A-UK-Employers-Guide-.webp 1600w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Fire-and-Rehire-Restrictions-Under-the-Employment-Rights-Act-A-UK-Employers-Guide--300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Fire-and-Rehire-Restrictions-Under-the-Employment-Rights-Act-A-UK-Employers-Guide--1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Fire-and-Rehire-Restrictions-Under-the-Employment-Rights-Act-A-UK-Employers-Guide--768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Fire-and-Rehire-Restrictions-Under-the-Employment-Rights-Act-A-UK-Employers-Guide--1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Fire-and-Rehire-Restrictions-Under-the-Employment-Rights-Act-A-UK-Employers-Guide--440x248.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-3-col-details wp-container-content-6 is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-21 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-20 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/blog\/\" rel=\"tag\">Blogs<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/employment-rights-act-fire-and-rehire\/\" target=\"_self\" >Fire and Rehire Restrictions Under the Employment Rights Act: A UK Employer&#8217;s Guide<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-5\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">The Employment Rights Act 2025 fundamentally restricts fire and rehire in the UK. Understand what&#8217;s changing, when it takes effect&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/employment-rights-act-fire-and-rehire\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: Fire and Rehire Restrictions Under the Employment Rights Act: A UK Employer&#8217;s Guide<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/employment-rights-act-fire-and-rehire\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-50755 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-employment-rights-act tag-in-depth-analysis resource-type-blog\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-25 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;width:100%;height:100%; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/fair-work-agency-hmrc-employers-guide\/\" target=\"_self\"  style=\"height:100%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/The-Fair-Work-Agency-vs-HMRC-Whats-Different-For-Employers.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"The Fair Work Agency vs HMRC: What&#8217;s Different For Employers\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/The-Fair-Work-Agency-vs-HMRC-Whats-Different-For-Employers.webp 1600w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/The-Fair-Work-Agency-vs-HMRC-Whats-Different-For-Employers-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/The-Fair-Work-Agency-vs-HMRC-Whats-Different-For-Employers-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/The-Fair-Work-Agency-vs-HMRC-Whats-Different-For-Employers-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/The-Fair-Work-Agency-vs-HMRC-Whats-Different-For-Employers-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/The-Fair-Work-Agency-vs-HMRC-Whats-Different-For-Employers-440x248.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-3-col-details wp-container-content-9 is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-24 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-23 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/blog\/\" rel=\"tag\">Blogs<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/fair-work-agency-hmrc-employers-guide\/\" target=\"_self\" >The Fair Work Agency vs HMRC: What&#8217;s Different For Employers<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-8\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">The Fair Work Agency has replaced HMRC for employment rights. Understand the split, what&#8217;s changed for holiday pay and SSP,&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/fair-work-agency-hmrc-employers-guide\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: The Fair Work Agency vs HMRC: What&#8217;s Different For Employers<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/fair-work-agency-hmrc-employers-guide\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.eh_marketo_form .mktoCheckboxList label {\n    line-height: 0.95rem !important;\n}\n.top-sticky-form .eh_marketo_form-container .eh_marketo_form_step_0 .mktoFieldDescriptor.mktoFormCol {\n    height: 4.5rem;\n}\n.top-sticky-form .eh_marketo_form-container .eh_marketo_form_step_0 .mktoFormRow:nth-last-of-type(-n+3) .mktoFieldDescriptor.mktoFormCol {\n    height: auto !important;\n}\n<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let&#8217;s break down this proposed legislation and what it means for employers. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32012,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_lite_auth_enabled":false,"_lite_auth_trigger_method":"scroll","_lite_auth_scroll_percent":25,"_lite_auth_click_element_query":"","exclude_from_algolia":false,"reading_time":"6 min read","display_reading_time":false,"download_content_type":"file","download_file":"34130","download_url":"","download_cta_label":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"resource-type":[157],"topic":[],"industry":[65,57,55,66,72,35,76,41,77,58,43,67,46,69,40,59,73,70,45,54,47,49,51,68,52,50,64,44,42,53,48,74,75,56,71],"audience":[],"business-size":[],"product-tag":[],"funnel-stage":[],"region":[],"pain-point":[],"persona":[],"post_features":[],"class_list":["post-13809","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","resource-type-blog","industry-agriculture","industry-automotive","industry-business-consulting","industry-childcare","industry-colleges-and-sporting-clubs","industry-construction","industry-consumer-services","industry-customer-service","industry-early-education","industry-ecommerce","industry-education","industry-entertainment","industry-finance","industry-financial-services","industry-franchises","industry-health-and-fitness","industry-health-services","industry-healthcare","industry-hospitality","industry-it-and-technology","industry-legal","industry-logistics-manufacturing","industry-media-communications","industry-not-for-profit","industry-professional-services","industry-public-relations","industry-real-estate","industry-real-estate-and-strata-management","industry-recruitment","industry-retail","industry-stem","industry-technology","industry-utilities-public-services","industry-veterinary-services","industry-youth-services"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13809","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13809"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13809\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41921,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13809\/revisions\/41921"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32012"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13809"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"resource-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource-type?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"audience","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/audience?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"business-size","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/business-size?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"product-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product-tag?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"funnel-stage","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/funnel-stage?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"pain-point","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pain-point?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"post_features","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_features?post=13809"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}