The Employment Rights Act 2025 is significantly altering employer-trade union dynamics by making it easier for unions to gain recognition and take industrial action.

A 2025 CIPD report shows that 62% of employers expect a more unstable period of employee relations. For HR, this is more than a compliance challenge: it demands capability, influence and strong relationship management.

With strengthened access rights, simplified recognition processes and enhanced protections for union activity, organisations will need new approaches to employee relations. Are you ready?

This on-demand webinar was recorded on 15 January 2026. The webinar provides expert, practical insights on building productive relationships with trade unions. Relationships that will help your business adjust over the multitude of changes being brought in under the Employment Rights Act 2025. Watch the webinar now to understand the skills HR professionals need in this new era of employee relations.

Members can also keep track of the latest legislative changes to trade union relationships in the tracker.

Webinar segments

Rachel Suff, Senior Policy and Practice Adviser - Employee Relations and Wellbeing at CIPD, shares CIPD research exploring employer readiness for the Employment Rights Act 2025 reforms. Despite generally positive workplace relationships, concerns remain about instability, union power and rising industrial action, with net opposition to most reforms—especially industrial action changes.

CIPD Viewpoint - Navigating a new era of employee relations

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
Instant access Explore membership
  • Thought leadership

    Understanding, interpreting and complying with gender pay gap reporting

    CIPD’s Senior Performance and Reward Advisor, Charles Cotton, explores some of the more common misconceptions around reporting gender bonus gaps, and what employers need to do to comply with requirements.

    Read the article
  • Tools

    Trade union tools

    Use our range of practical tools to help you work effectively with trade unions in Great Britain

    • See all webinars