HR Policy Changes and Legal Reforms

If your charity relies on flexible staff, part-time teams, or seasonal workers, the new Employment Rights Bill is going to change how you operate. Here’s what’s coming down the line.

Big changes are on the horizon for employers. The new Employment Rights Bill introduces significant reforms that all organisations – particularly charities – need to be aware of.

The Bill brings new day-one unfair dismissal rights, changes to fire and rehire rules, and enhanced protections for zero-hours and agency workers, requiring charities to review workforce planning, employment contracts, and scheduling practices.

Charities are specifically impacted due to high reliance on flexible, part-time, and project-based staffing, as well as seasonal event roles. The Bill requires fair notice of shifts and compensation for late changes, directly affecting charities’ operational approaches.

The minimum wage increase (National Living Wage to £12.21 per hour) puts extra financial strain on already stretched charity budgets, especially in social care and youth services.

The message is clear: charities can’t afford to wait. Reviewing contracts, forecasting budgets, and planning schedules now will make the difference between smooth compliance and last-minute disruption.