Employment Snapshot September 2026
Thursday 1st October 2026
Welcome to Gordons Employment Team’s latest update
This month we cover:
- upcoming changes as a result of the Employment Rights Act including
- bereavement leave,
- the latest news on trade union access rights; and
- changes to right to work checks.
Changes to UK right to work checks from 1 October 2026: what employers need to know
From 1 October 2026, an employer’s obligation to undertake right to work checks will be extend beyond traditional employees.
The changes will cover a broader of working relationships, including subcontractors and workers in the labour supply chain.
Bereavement leave – what’s changing?
The Government has published its response to the consultation on bereavement leave, providing further detail on the new statutory right introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
The new right is expected to be introduced in April 2027.
Trade union access rights: what should employers be doing now?
A key change under the Employment Rights Act 2025 is the expansion of trade union rights.
From 30 October 2026, union officials will be able to request physical or virtual access to businesses with 21 or more workers.
Both recognised and unrecognised unions may use this access to grow membership and support collective bargaining in the workplace.
Duty to inform workers of their right to join a trade union: what do employers need to know
The Government has postponed the introduction of the duty to inform workers of their right to join a trade union from 30 October 2026 until January 2027.
While the delay gives employers additional time to prepare, the Government has now published its response to the public consultation, providing greater clarity on how the new obligation will work in practice.
This obligation is distinct from the expanded trade union access rights, which will still take effect on 30 October 2026.
If you require any further information on the above topics, please do not hesitate to get in contact with a member of the Employment Team.
