Free online webinar for SMEs

Following on from the April 2026 reforms, further significant employment law changes are planned for October 2026 and 2027. These reforms will have long-term implications for workforce planning, contracts, policies and risk management.

This forward-looking webinar is designed to help SMEs plan ahead with confidence, rather than reacting at the last minute.

Led by Chris Morse and Laura McFadyen from Stephens Scown LLP, the session focuses on what these future changes mean in practice and how businesses can prepare in a realistic, proportionate way.

What you will learn

• A recap of the April 2026 employment law reforms
• October 2026 changes, including:
• Fire and rehire restrictions
• New harassment prevention duties
• Changes to NDAs
• Tipping law updates
• Extended trade union rights
• Major reforms expected in 2027, including:
• Unfair dismissal changes
• Zero-hours contract restrictions
• Flexible working reforms
• Enhanced pregnancy and family rights
• Bereavement leave
• Gender pay gap reporting and menopause action plans
• Workforce planning and risk management strategies for SMEs
• How to future-proof policies, contracts and processes

Who should attend

• SME owners and senior leaders
• HR and people managers
• Advisers supporting business compliance and growth

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what is coming and how to plan strategically, not reactively.