Press release:

CMI Response to the passing of the Employment Rights Bill

Wednesday 17 December 2025

Of the passing of the Employment Rights Bill, CMI CEO Ann Francke OBE, said:

The final Employment Rights Act offers a sensible, phased approach to introducing new employee rights and we welcome the inclusion of a probationary period. This approach strikes an important balance, offering protection for both employers and employees. It is vital that the Government continues to listen to the genuine concerns of employers. Managers, in particular, can provide a unique perspective - being both responsible for leading teams and employees themselves.

The focus now turns to ensuring successful implementation - this requires skilled managers who can see beyond the letter of the law and navigate the changes in a collaborative and respectful way. Those that get it right will reap the benefits of improved employee retention and increased productivity. In reality, much of what is in here is already being done by leading employers.

CMI is ready to work with the new Fair Work Agency to support smooth implementation of this Bill, with the intrinsic value of skilled managers and leaders at the heart of those conversations.

 

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About the Chartered Management Institute (CMI):

The Chartered Management Institute is the professional body for managers and leaders. We have a membership community of over 230,000 aspiring and practising managers and more than 150,000 people are currently studying on one of our management and leadership programmes. Our Royal Charter defines our charitable mission as increasing the number and standard of professionally qualified managers and leaders.