The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant, phased changes for universities, including day-one employment rights, stronger trade union powers, tougher dismissal and consultation rules, and increased enforcement. Shakespeare Martineau cover how universities should plan early by reviewing contracts, policies and management practices to ensure compliance and manage risk.
Author: Tom Long, Partner & Susannah Nicholas, Professional Support Lawyer
Shakespeare Martineau explains how the Employment Rights Act 2025 will significantly strengthen trade union rights and make industrial action and union recognition easier, with phased changes from 2026–2027 that universities must prepare for by updating policies, contracts and management practices to manage increased industrial relations risk.
Author: Tom Long, Partner & Susannah Nicholas, Professional Support Lawyer
People Insight compare staff experience data with key NSS themes, showing clear patterns between strong internal communication and leadership clarity for staff, and better student experiences of organisation and academic support. It offers practical ways leaders can use staff feedback as an early-warning signal to improve how institutions run.
Author: Jane Tidswell, HE Director
