The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has published a
guide to help the business meetings and events sector navigate major changes in
employment law.
Several reforms, including the introduction of a Fair Work
Agency, day-one statutory sick pay for all employees, and restrictions on ‘fire
and rehire’ practices, will come into force this year under the Employment
Rights Act 2025.
The Act, which received Royal Assent in December last year, marks
one of the most significant periods of employment law reform in decades.
From 6 April, changes will include:
- The removal of the lower earnings limit and waiting period for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) making
all employees eligible for SSP from the first day of sickness absence.
- Day
1 paternity leave and unpaid parental leave
- Enhanced
protection for workers who ‘blow the whistle’ on sexual harassment
- Action
plans on gender equality and supporting employees through the menopause
(voluntary)
More changes will be implemented in October, including a
tightening of the tipping law and a strengthening of access for trade unions. There
will also be a requirement for employers to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to
prevent sexual harassment and a new code for procurement.
The MIA has partnered with employment law and HR specialists WorkNest to build a comprehensive overview of the key reforms affecting the sector. The
guide covers both April and October 2026 reforms as well as changes planned for
2027.
MIA CEO Shonali Devereaux, said: “People are central to the
success of business meetings and events, and a core pillar of the MIA’s
strategy to support and grow the industry.
“As these legal requirements evolve, staying informed and
prepared is essential. With so many significant reforms due to come into effect
this year and next, we were eager to join forces with WorkNest to compile this
practical guide, giving our members and the industry the clarity they need to
begin preparing with confidence.”
The guidance can be accessed at www.mia-uk.org/Employment-Law-changes-2026
with MIA members also receiving an extended version including practical
action points and a compliance checklist for each reform.
