The UK Government's plan to Make Work Pay changes multiple aspects of employment law; removing the two-year qualifying period to claim unfair dismissal and introducing a new statutory probation period, is just one example. 

A commitment to deliver most of these proposals are laid out in the Employment Rights Bill (ERB). In addition to the ERB, the Make Work Pay plan involves other non-regulatory consultations, new regulations and amendments to codes or guidance. There are also changes being introduced under the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill. The roadmap for the delivery of consultations and changes os set out below. 

People professionals should note that the ERB continues in 'ping-pong' stage. On 17 November 2025 the bill was again debated in the House of Lords, when the Lords amended the bill to make several changes, including to moderate some of the provisions on zero hours contracts and to retain the 50% turnout thresholds for trade union strike ballots. Their biggest disagreement continues to be over the government’s flagship commitment for day one rights for workers to claim unfair dismissal.

CIPD members can keep track of developments by logging in below and using the tracker table. The table tracks the progress of relevant and notable changes by date. There is also a visual timeline showing when the measures under the plan to Make Work Pay will be implemented. Expanded information below the table provides insights from the CIPD’s Public Policy team, as well as information on what people professionals can do now to prepare for these changes.

Please note, the majority of the ERB will not apply in Northern Ireland, where employment legislation is almost entirely a devolved (transferred) matter. The NI Executive has published separate proposals on employment law reform.

Member tool: CIPD Buddy BETA
Use AI to find answers on this topic with our prototype. Login to explore CIPD Buddy

Changes by topic

Have your say on open government consultations

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