Employment Law Compliance checklist: Is your business ready for 2026?

As we approach the end of 2025, now is the perfect time to ensure your business is compliant and ready for the changes ahead in 2026.

Use this checklist to review the essentials before the new year:

Employment Law compliance:

• Sexual harassment policies updated – The prevention duty is in force. Have you reviewed your workplace policies, trained your managers and appointed someone responsible for prevention?
• Fire and rehire procedures reviewed – With tougher penalties in place, ensure your restructuring processes are legally sound and follow proper consultation procedures.
• Payroll preparation for April 2026 – National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage increases are coming. Is your payroll system ready to implement the changes?

Immigration compliance:

• Right to work checks completed for all workers – Have you verified the immigration status of everyone on your payroll? Remember, BRPs expired on 31 December 2024 and eVisas are now the standard.
• Sponsor licence compliance audit – If you sponsor overseas workers, conduct a full audit of your records, contact details and reporting obligations. The Home Office can inspect at any time, and non-compliance can lead to licence revocation.
• Digital right to work system familiarisation – Are you and your HR team comfortable using the new online checking process for eVisas?

Looking ahead to 2026:

• Employment Rights Bill preparation plan – Spring and autumn 2026 will bring significant changes including Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from day one and day-one unfair dismissal rights. Start preparing now by reviewing your employment contracts, probation policies and dismissal procedures.

Why this matters for employers:

Non-compliance isn’t just a legal risk – it can result in financial penalties, damage your business reputation and create serious operational disruptions. Taking time now to review and update your processes will protect your business and give you peace of mind.

Need support?

Our employment and immigration law specialists work with employers across all sectors. Whether you need a policy review, compliance audit or strategic advice on the upcoming changes, we’re here to help you stay compliant and focused on running your business.

Get in touch today and start 2026 with confidence.