Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. 

In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Employment Law & Dispute Resolution Associate Solicitor Kat Moody and Founder and CEO of Inspired HR, Nikki Masterman. 

Together, they break down the Employment Rights Act 2025 and its staged rollout across 2026 and 2027 – one of the biggest shake‑ups in UK employment law in decades.

They explain what’s changing, when it takes effect, and what employers, especially small and medium‑sized businesses, need to be doing now to stay compliant, manage costs and reduce their risk.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

• National minimum wage increases and common compliance pitfalls.

• Major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), including day‑one rights and removal of the lower earnings limit.

• New day‑one rights for paternity and parental leave.

• Protecting staff and managing risk.

• The creation of the Fair Work Agency and what it could mean for inspections and enforcement.

• Unfair dismissal protection after six months’ service.

• What employers should be doing now.

This episode is essential listening for employers, HR professionals and employees who want a clear, practical guide to how the new Employment Rights Act will affect workplaces and how to get prepared in good time.