The End of Fire and Rehire? | getting ready for reform
Under Labour’s proposed Employment Rights Bill (ERB), the controversial practice of fire and rehire could be taken off the table.
Whether you’re a large corporation or a small business, this change could dramatically alter how you manage restructures, implement contractual changes, and navigate periods of financial strain.
In this webinar, we’ll lay out the current legal framework, outline what will change under the ERB, and explore the impact this will have on employers. Plus, what actions should you take over the next 12 months to get prepared?
17 July, 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm
If passed in its current form, the ERB will make it automatically unfair to dismiss an employee for refusing new contract terms and then attempt to rehire (or replace) them under those terms. This tactic – known as ‘fire and rehire’ – is a route many employers have relied upon to drive organisational change.
This represents a major shift in the balance of power, and although the final wording of the Bill may be altered slightly as it passes through Parliament, the underlying intention is clear: to restrict fire and rehire except where a business is in serious financial difficulty.
According to the ERB Implementation Roadmap released in early July, these changes aren’t expected to come into force until October 2026. However, their potential impact is substantial, and employers should begin preparing well in advance to prevent issues when this proposal becomes law.
This session will break it all down – clearly and using practical examples – to help you understand what the end of fire and rehire means for you, and where to go from here.
We’ll also provide a concise and timely overview of the Implementation Roadmap for the Employment Rights Bill, ensuring you’re informed of all key dates.
What's on the agenda?
In this free 60-minute session, WorkNest’s Senior Employment Law Adviser, Lyndsay Gourlay, will:
- Break down the current legal framework surrounding fire and rehire.
- Explain exactly what will change under the ERB.
- Outline the practical steps employers need to take now to stay compliant.
- Share real-world case studies – where employers got it wrong and the consequences.
- Use practical examples to help embed your understanding of the new rules.
- Highlight common pitfalls and how to avoid costly missteps.
- Answer your questions
Got a question?
Submit your queries when registering – we’ll address as many as possible during the session.
Can't make the live session?
No problem – register anyway and we’ll send you the on-demand recording along with a selection of helpful resources.
Register for free session
Preparing Your Organisation for the New Employee Rights Bill - Open Course, 3 September 2025
To go beyond the technical aspects of the new ERB, this interactive training session will explore its impact and implications.
We will discuss how to conduct an ERB Impact Assessment in your organisation and explore what you can do now to prepare, in advance of the new legal framework being finalised.
Webinar review
“Having attended a few WorkNest webinars, I am always impressed with the no-nonsense, well-balanced guidance they provide. Their advice gives me confidence to deal with situations that may arise in an appropriate way and the fact that they follow up with answers to all the questions posed during the webinar is an added bonus.”
Mary Greig, Scaled Solutions
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