Event Summary

The Employment Rights Act marks the biggest overhaul of UK workplace law in a generation, reshaping how organisations plan their workforce, manage employee relations, handle employment risk and shape workplace culture.

Join Holyrood Insight’s popular Employment Rights Act Scotland Conference to prepare for changes coming into effect in late 2026 and 2027 including reduced unfair dismissal qualifying periods, restrictions on fire and rehire, guaranteed hours for zero-hours workers and mandatory gender pay gap and menopause action plans.

Hear directly from policymakers, workforce leaders and sector experts on how the reforms align with Fair Work ambitions, public service reform and devolved workforce priorities. We will explore what the reforms means for creating sustainable, inclusive, safe and productive workplaces.

Find out how to prepare for rising expectations around compliance, consultation and workforce accountability. Learn more about the role of the Fair Work Agency in enforcing employment rights, minimum standards and fair working practices.

Whether you work in HR, workforce planning, employment relations, public services or organisational leadership, gain practical insight into adapting policies, processes and management approaches ahead of implementation.

We will explore how the new day-one entitlements and reduced qualifying periods will reshape recruitment, onboarding, probation and dismissal processes, and discuss how employers can reduce employment risk and prepare for increased tribunal exposure.

You will hear how organisations are preparing for changes to pay gap reporting, including gender pay gap data and mandatory action plans from 2027, alongside menopause support, stronger workforce data and fairer pay, recruitment and progression decisions.

Hear practical advice from frontline social care professionals on how they are navigating rapidly evolving Fair Pay Agreement structures, outsourcing requirements, procurement duties, changes to zero hours contracts, incoming “fire and rehire” protections, and employment standards in the sector.

With employment relations entering a period of significant change, don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insight and prepare for changes to move from understanding the legislation to implementing fair, accountable and resilient workforce practices.

Key Points

  • Practical implications of Employment Rights Act (ERA) reforms coming into force across October 2026 and 2027
  • How strengthened trade union access and workforce voice will reshape employment relations in Scotland
  • How the Act supports Scotland’s Fair Work ambitions and the role of the Fair Work Agency
  • Preparing for day-one rights, unfair dismissal changes, incoming “fire and rehire” protections, zero hours changes, and rising tribunal risk
  • Implications for workforce planning, governance and organisational culture
  • Advancing pay equity and transparency through Equality and Menopause Action Plans
  • Building safer workplaces: preventing sexual harassment and strengthening investigations
  • How frontline services are responding to Fair Pay Agreements
  • Practical steps for implementation: contracts, consultation and record-keeping
  • Balancing affordability with meaningful improvements in workplace rights

Sponsorship

Interested in sponsoring this event? Click here for sponsorship opportunities.