For readers of the book

Law updates for this edition.

Employing People: What HR Won't Tell You by Vanessa Challess. First edition, Electra HR imprint. The law in the book is stated as at 15 October 2026. Changes since then, and changes already announced, are listed below, newest first.

Law stated as at 15 October 2026 · Page last checked 16 October 2026

Date of change	What changed	Status	Verified	Chapters
1 January 2027	The unfair dismissal qualifying period falls from two years to six months, and the cap on the compensatory award is removed (SI 2026/559).	Fixed commencement	16 October 2026	4, 9, 12, 13 and the tracker
9 November 2026	Breach of contract claims in Scotland move to a six-month time limit, matching England and Wales. The Scottish order was still in draft on 15 October 2026.	Government intention	16 October 2026	4, 15 and the tracker
30 October 2026	Employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, and become liable for harassment of their staff by third parties such as customers and clients (Employment Rights Act 2025, ss.20 to 22; SI 2026/1065).	Fixed commencement	16 October 2026	10 and the tracker
No date set	Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures: consultation on a replacement Code closed on 23 September 2026. The 2015 Code still applies.	Consultation only	16 October 2026	11, 12

1 January 2027
Fixed commencement
The unfair dismissal qualifying period falls from two years to six months, and the cap on the compensatory award is removed (SI 2026/559).
Chapters 4, 9, 12, 13 and the tracker · Verified 16 October 2026
9 November 2026
Government intention
Breach of contract claims in Scotland move to a six-month time limit, matching England and Wales. The Scottish order was still in draft on 15 October 2026.
Chapters 4, 15 and the tracker · Verified 16 October 2026
30 October 2026
Fixed commencement
Employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, and become liable for harassment of their staff by third parties such as customers and clients (Employment Rights Act 2025, ss.20 to 22; SI 2026/1065).
Chapters 10 and the tracker · Verified 16 October 2026
No date set
Consultation only
Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures: consultation on a replacement Code closed on 23 September 2026. The 2015 Code still applies.
Chapters 11, 12 · Verified 16 October 2026

What the status labels mean

In force: The law already applies.
Fixed commencement: Regulations fix the start date, but it is not law yet. Read it as "this applies from [date]".
Government intention: The government has said when it intends the change to start, but nothing fixing the date has been made. These dates can move.
Consultation only: Proposals out for consultation, with no commitment to a date.

Check GOV.UK before relying on anything not marked In force.

This page is general information about the employment law of Great Britain, not legal advice. For advice on your own situation, speak to a qualified solicitor.

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