As part of the Make Work Pay Plan, a number of important public consultations have opened on key measures in the Employment Rights Bill (ERB).

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is seeking views from employers, workers, and organisations across all sectors. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has urged social care providers and representative bodies to contribute, to ensure that the unique realities of care work are properly understood in shaping future employment policy.

Consultations Now Open

The following consultations are now live:

• Duty to Inform Workers of Right to Join a Union
  Closes 11:59pm, 18 December 2025
  Employers may be required to inform workers in writing about their right to join a union. The government is seeking views on how to implement this duty effectively while minimising burden on employers.

• Trade Union Right of Access
  Closes 11:59pm, 18 December 2025
  Proposals include a framework for trade unions to access workplaces physically or digitally to communicate with staff. Feedback is sought on how this should be managed in a proportionate and workable way for employers, unions, and workers.

• Enhanced Dismissal Protections for Pregnant Women and New Mothers
  Closes 11:59pm, 15 January 2026
  The government proposes making it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, those on maternity leave, or those within six months of returning to work, except in specific cases. Views are invited on the scope and timing of these protections.

• Leave for Bereavement (Including Pregnancy Loss)
  Closes 11:59pm, 15 January 2026
  A new right to unpaid bereavement leave is proposed for employees who lose a loved one, including early pregnancy loss. Feedback is sought on eligibility, notice requirements, and flexibility in how leave can be taken.

Why It Matters

These proposals have the potential to impact workforce management, recruitment, and employment practices across adult social care. Ensuring that the sector’s views are reflected in these national consultations is essential to achieving proportionate, workable reforms.

Have Your Say

SESCA encourages all providers, managers, and sector representatives to submit responses before the deadlines and to share these links across your networks.

For further details and to respond:
Employment Rights Bill: Factsheets – GOV.UK
Implementing the Employment Rights Bill – GOV.UK