Significant changes to UK employment law are set to affect employers from 30 October 2026. Businesses will need to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, while new protections will also cover harassment by third parties, including customers, clients and suppliers.
Further trade union reforms, including workplace access rights and a requirement to inform workers of their right to join a union, are expected in January 2027.
| Change | Detail | Date |
| Sexual Harassment | Employers must take ‘ALL Reasonable Steps’ as opposed to ‘Reasonable Steps’ | 30 October 2026 |
| Third party harassment | Now include third parties such as customers, clients, suppliers with the employer required to take ALL reasonable steps to prevent it | 30 October |
| Trade Union Access | Unions gain right to access direct (physical) and indirect (digital) access to workplaces even where they are not recognised Requirement to give workers a statement of their right to join a trade union | Delayed until January 2027 |
At Leonie Goodman HR we can help employers review policies, strengthen compliance and prepare teams for these important workplace changes.