Are we nearly there yet?

It's definitely that time of year when this is the most asked question on the M5 (other motorways apply) in hot, overloaded cars where tempers and temperatures are too hot to handle. This year, it's also the question asked by a lot of us about the ERB and with similar levels of impatience and concern.  

And the answer is, rather annoyingly, yes but no! 

Yes - the Bill continues to progress. Its final sitting in the House of Lords Committee Stage was on 24 June 2025 and the Report stage will take place on 14th July 2025. This is the last chance for the House of Lords to make any changes. To date, there have been some amendments made regards some of the trade union provisions, but no major changes or surprises.  

No - we still don't have a date for when the Bill will come into law. There was hope that it would happen before the summer recess, but given the House of Commons starts its summer break on 22 July (returning 1 September), it's unlikely that the Bill will complete the final stages and make it to the statute book before the autumn.  

Implementation map

The Government has also promised that it will publish an ‘implementation road map’ setting out its planned timetable for consultations and the introduction of measures within the ERB. That, presuming it's sufficiently detailed and current, will be useful for employers and organisations as it will, we hope, assist with proactive steps to prepare. What will be more helpful, however, will be draft regulations outlining the detail which we so desperately need on measures such as the Guaranteed Hours Offer and the statutory probationary period.  

If you have any queries about the Bill or would like specific advice on how its provisions will impact your organisation, please contact us and we would be happy to help. In addition, if you would like any training on provisions in the Bill, we can deliver a session tailored to your particular needs and sector.