Ongoing consultations
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Employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children
The government are seeking views on proposals to prevent the misuse of non-disclosure agreements in cases of workplace harassment and discrimination.
- Closes 1 September 2026
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Ending one-sided flexibility: Reforms of zero hours and similar contracts
The government are seeking views on proposals to prevent the misuse of non-disclosure agreements in cases of workplace harassment and discrimination.
- Closes 25 August 2026
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Misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
The government are seeking views on proposals to prevent the misuse of non-disclosure agreements in cases of workplace harassment and discrimination.
- Closes 8 July 2026
Recent consultations
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Threshold for triggering collective redundancy obligations
The government are seeking views on the level and methods by which the new organisation-wide threshold for triggering collective redundancy obligations might be set.
- Closed 21 May 2026
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
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Improving access to flexible working
The government are seeking views on a new process for employers to follow when handling flexible working requests, as well as insights on flexible working practices more broadly.
- Closed 30 April 2026
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
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Draft code of practice on trade union right of access
The government are seeking views on a draft code of practice on the new legal framework for trade unions’ access to workplaces.
- Closed 20 May 2026
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
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Protection from detriments for taking industrial action
The government are seeking views on the types of detriments that employers should be prohibited from imposing on workers for taking industrial action.
- Closed 23 April 2026
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
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Fire and rehire – changes to expenses, benefits, and shift patterns
The Employment Rights Act 2025 will introduce new protections to prevent unscrupulous fire and rehire practices. The government wants to ensure the rules are fair for both employees and employers.
- Closed 1 April 2026
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
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Recognition code of practice and e-balloting unfair practices
The Employment Rights Act (ERA) makes several changes to the statutory trade union recognition process to ensure that workers have a meaningful right to organise through trade unions.
Before the changes can come into effect, the code of practice on access and unfair practices during recognition and derecognition process (‘the code’) must also be updated to reflect the legislative changes.
The government has redrafted the existing version of the code and is now seeking views on these changes before the code is finalised and brought into effect.
- Closed 1 April 2026
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
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Duty to inform employees of right to join union
A new duty on employers to give a written statement to their workers informing them of their right to join a trade union at the start of their employment and at other times.
- Closed 18 December 2025
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
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Bereavement leave
Day 1 right to unpaid bereavement leave for employees who experience the loss of a loved one, including
pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.- Closed 15 January 2026
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
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Rights for pregnant workers
It will be unlawful to dismiss pregnant women and mothers on Maternity Leave, and mothers who return to work for at least a six-month period after they return (‘the protected period’), except in specific circumstances.
- Closed 15 January 2026
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
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Electronic and workplace balloting for statutory union ballots
The government will introduce a new statutory code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting to accompany the introduction of these methods for statutory union ballots. This new code will provide practical information on the conduct of these ballots. Have your say in shaping this code.
Closed 28 January 2026
Consultation outcomes to be provided soon. Check the consultation outcomes for results.
Consultation Outcomes
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Trade union right of access
Link to outcome: Make Work Pay: trade union right of access - GOV.UK
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Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care
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The application of zero hours contracts measures to agency workers
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Creating a modern framework for industrial relations
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Collective redundancy and fire and rehire
Link to outcome: Making Work Pay: collective redundancy and fire and rehire - GOV.UK
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Strengthening Statutory Sick Pay
Link to outcome: Making Work Pay: Strengthening Statutory Sick Pay - GOV.UK
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