The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has today published practical guidance to help the business meetings and events sector navigate incoming employment law changes coming into force in 2026 and beyond.
Working in partnership with leading employment law and HR specialists WorkNest, the association has published a comprehensive overview of the key reforms stemming from the Employment Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in December 2025 and marks one of the most significant periods of employment law reform in decades.
The guide covers both April and October 2026 reforms as well as changes planned for 2027. It details the practical implications for employers, including the introduction of a Fair Work Agency, day-one statutory sick pay for all employees, restrictions on ‘fire and rehire’ practices, extended Employment Tribunal time limits and stricter harassment prevention duties.
Shonali Devereaux, CEO of the Meetings Industry Association, 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. UK employment law provides the framework that supports fair treatment at work and helps ensure consistency, transparency and accountability across organisations.
“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.”
Gerry O’Hare, Legal Director and Head of Partnerships at WorkNest, said: “The next 18 months are set to bring major changes to UK employment law, with dozens of significant reforms on the horizon. For businesses, failing to prepare could mean legal disputes, unexpected costs and disruption to day-to-day operations.
“We understand the pressures employers face when balancing compliance with the practical realities of running a business, and we’re delighted to have partnered with the MIA to give the industry clear, practical insight and help organisations get ahead of what promises to be a year of real change.”
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.
