The Plan to Make Work Pay was largely legislated by the Great British Employment Rights Act 2025. This is being implemented over a phased period and ICB outlines the latest update.
For employers, extensive employment law reforms are implemented best if introduced over a staggered period. That is the UK Government intention with their Plan to Make Work Pay, legislated by the Employment Rights Act 2025. Employers already have a roadmap of the reforms, however, this is accompanied by a timeline which was updated on 25 August 2025.
ICB replicates the timeline below up to an including the 25 August 2025 update:
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Reform
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Detail
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Effective Date
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Repeal of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023
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Legislation that required trade unions in certain sectors provide a minimum level of service during industrial action in England, Scotland, and Wales
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18 December 2025
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Repeal of the majority of the Trade Union Act 2016
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Simplifying industrial action processes for trade unions
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18 February 2026
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Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave
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Employees were able to give notice to their employers of this day 1 right (taken from 06 April 2026)
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18 February 2026
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Trade unions and employer associations
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Repeal of the levy paid to trade union Certification Officers
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01 April 2026
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Trade union, employment and payroll-related reforms
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- Doubling the maximum period of the protective award;
- Day 1 Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave;
- Strengthening protections for whistleblowers;
- SSP reforms; and
- Simplifying trade union recognition process
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06 April 2026
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Fair Work Agency
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Established
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07 April 2026
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Trade union reforms
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Electronic and workplace balloting for statutory trade union ballots and updated guidance:
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25 August 2026
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For Bookkeepers
ICB recognises that not all reforms will impact members. However, the monthly Wages Wednesday webinars will keep members updated with reforms most relevant to employers.