Know where you stand at work.

1. 9Nov 2026 In forceScotland contract-claim limit extension in force

   SSI 2026/327 amends the 1994 Extension of Jurisdiction Order to give six months, not three, for employees' contract claims heard in Scotland, including contract sums outstanding on termination. The longer limit applies only where the effective date of termination, or the last day worked where there is none, falls on or after 9 November 2026.

2. 1Dec 2026 Next upSeafarer wage and rest regulations made

   The Seafarers (Wages and Working Conditions) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/1160) were made on 2 November and laid before Parliament on 4 November 2026, and are scheduled to take effect on this date across the UK, including Northern Ireland. On services between the UK and France or the Channel Islands whose ships enter a UK harbour at least 120 times a year, operators must pay crew who fall outside UK minimum-wage coverage the equivalent rates: £12.71 an hour at 21 and over, £10.85 at 18 to 20, and £8.00 for under-18s and qualifying apprentices. The regulations also limit spells on board and set minimum rest periods.

3. 1Jan 2027 ScheduledUnfair dismissal, tipping and union-information reforms scheduled

   The qualifying period is scheduled to fall to six months and the ordinary compensatory-award cap is scheduled to be removed for dismissals with an effective termination date from this day. Strengthened tipping law and the union-rights statement duty are also scheduled for this date.

4. By Jan 2027 Date to be setAdult Social Care Negotiating Body scheduled

   The timetable updated on 5 November 2026 says the body for England will now be established by January 2027. The draft regulations were laid on 3 November 2026 and are not yet made; they would take effect the day after they are made.

Dates and status from our reform tracker. Scheduled does not mean in force.