Employment Rights Act 1996
Employment Rights Act 1996 — full text by section
Consolidated text as published on legislation.gov.uk, snapshot 2026-08-24. Read the Act on legislation.gov.uk
435 sections. Default extent: E+W+S+N.I..
- s.1Statement of initial employment particulars.(E+W+S)
- s.2Statement of initial particulars: supplementary.(E+W+S)
- s.3Note about disciplinary procedures and pensions.(E+W+S)
- s.4Statement of changes.(E+W+S)
- s.5Exclusion from rights to statements.(E+W+S)
- s.6Reasonably accessible document or collective agreement.(E+W+S)
- s.7Power to require particulars of further matters.
- s.7AUse of alternative documents to give particulars(E+W+S)
- s.7BGiving of alternative documents before start of employment(E+W+S)
- s.8Itemised pay statement.(E+W+S)
- s.9Standing statement of fixed deductions.(E+W+S)
- s.10Power to amend provisions about pay and standing statements.
- s.11References to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.12Determination of references.(E+W+S)
- s.13Right not to suffer unauthorised deductions.
- s.14Excepted deductions.
- s.15Right not to have to make payments to employer.(E+W+S)
- s.16Excepted payments.
- s.17Introductory.
- s.18Limits on amount and time of deductions.
- s.19Wages determined by reference to shortages etc.
- s.20Limits on method and timing of payments.
- s.21Limit on amount of payments.
- s.22Final instalments of wages.
- s.23Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.24Determination of complaints.(E+W+S)
- s.25Determinations: supplementary.
- s.26Complaints and other remedies.(E+W+S)
- s.27Meaning of “wages” etc.(E+W+S)
- s.27AExclusivity terms unenforceable in zero hours contracts
- s.27BPower to make further provision in relation to zero hours workers
- s.27BARight for qualifying workers to be offered guaranteed hours
- s.27BBRequirements relating to a guaranteed hours offer
- s.27BCRequirements relating to a guaranteed hours offer: supplementary
- s.27BDGuaranteed hours offer: exceptions to duty to make offer and withdrawal of offer
- s.27BEAcceptance or rejection of a guaranteed hours offer
- s.27BFInformation about rights conferred by Chapter 2
- s.27BGComplaints to employment tribunals: grounds
- s.27BHComplaints to employment tribunals: time limits
- s.27BIRemedies
- s.27BJRight to reasonable notice of a shift
- s.27BKRight to reasonable notice of cancellation of or change to a shift
- s.27BLSections 27BJ and 27BK: supplementary
- s.27BMInteraction with Chapter 4
- s.27BNComplaints to employment tribunals
- s.27BORemedies
- s.27BPRight to payment for a cancelled, moved or curtailed shift
- s.27BQRegulations under section 27BP: supplementary
- s.27BRExceptions to duty to make payment for a cancelled, moved or curtailed shift
- s.27BSContractual remuneration
- s.27BTComplaints to employment tribunal
- s.27BURemedies
- s.27BVAgency workers
- s.27BWZero hours workers, etc
- s.27BXAgency workers
- s.27BYSupplementary provision
- s.27BZRegulations
- s.27BZ1Interpretation
- s.27BZ2Interpretation
- s.27BZ3Regulations
- s.27CQualifying tips, gratuities and service charges(E+W+S)
- s.27DHow tips etc must be dealt with(E+W+S)
- s.27ENon-public places of business(E+W+S)
- s.27FIndependent troncs(E+W+S)
- s.27GWhen tips etc must be dealt with(E+W+S)
- s.27HAgency workers(E+W+S)
- s.27IWritten policy(E+W+S)
- s.27JRecords(E+W+S)
- s.27KComplaints to employment tribunal about tips etc(E+W+S)
- s.27LDetermination of complaints about tips etc(E+W+S)
- s.27MCompensation: dealing with tips etc(E+W+S)
- s.27NComplaints to employment tribunal about information(E+W+S)
- s.27ODetermination of complaints about information(E+W+S)
- s.27PIssue of code of practice(E+W+S)
- s.27QProcedure for issue of code of practice(E+W+S)
- s.27RConsequential revision of code of practice(E+W+S)
- s.27SRevocation of code of practice(E+W+S)
- s.27TFailure to comply with code of practice(E+W+S)
- s.27UNo restitution claims by employer(E+W+S)
- s.27VRelationship with contractual rights(E+W+S)
- s.27WRestrictions on contracting out of this Part(E+W+S)
- s.27XInterpretation(E+W+S)
- s.27YApplication(E+W+S)
- s.28Right to guarantee payment.
- s.29Exclusions from right to guarantee payment.(E+W+S)
- s.30Calculation of guarantee payment.
- s.31Limits on amount of and entitlement to guarantee payment.(E+W+S)
- s.32Contractual remuneration.
- s.33Power to modify provisions about guarantee payments.
- s.34Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.35Exemption orders.(E+W+S)
- s.36Protected shop workers and betting workers.(E+W+S)
- s.37Contractual requirements relating to Sunday work.(E+W+S)
- s.38Contracts with guaranteed hours.(E+W)
- s.39Reduction of pay etc.(E+W)
- s.40Notice of objection to Sunday working.(E+W+S)
- s.41Opted-out shop workers and betting workers.(E+W+S)
- s.41ANotice of objection by shop workers to working additional hours on Sunday
- s.41BExplanatory statement: persons who become shop workers
- s.41CExplanatory statement: shop workers at commencement date
- s.41DFailure to give explanatory statement under section 41B or 41C
- s.42Explanatory statement : betting workers.(E+W+S)
- s.43Contractual requirements relating to Sunday work : opting-out notices.(E+W+S)
- s.43ZAContractual requirements relating to working additional hours on Sundays: objection notices
- s.43ZBInterpretation
- s.43AMeaning of “protected disclosure”.
- s.43BDisclosures qualifying for protection.(E+W+S)
- s.43CDisclosure to employer or other responsible person.(E+W+S)
- s.43DDisclosure to legal adviser.
- s.43EDisclosure to Minister of the Crown.(E+W+S)
- s.43FDisclosure to prescribed person.(E+W+S)
- s.43FAPrescribed persons: duty to report on disclosures of information
- s.43GDisclosure in other cases.(E+W+S)
- s.43HDisclosure of exceptionally serious failure.(E+W+S)
- s.43JContractual duties of confidentiality.
- s.43KExtension of meaning of “worker” etc. for Part IVA.(E+W+S)
- s.43KAApplication of this Part and related provisions to police(E+W+S)
- s.43LOther interpretative provisions.
- s.43MJury service(E+W+S)
- s.44Health and safety cases.(E+W+S)
- s.45Sunday working for shop and betting workers.(E+W+S)
- s.45ZASunday working for shop workers: additional hours
- s.45AWorking time cases.(E+W+S)
- s.46Trustees of occupational pension schemes.(E+W+S)
- s.47Employee representatives.(E+W+S)
- s.47AEmployees exercising right to time off work for study or training.(E+W+S)
- s.47BProtected disclosures.(E+W+S)
- s.47CLeave for family and domestic reasons.(E+W+S)
- s.47DTax credits
- s.47EFlexible working(E+W+S)
- s.47FStudy and training
- s.47GEmployee shareholder status(E+W+S)
- s.48Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.49Remedies.(E+W+S)
- s.49AApplication to police of section 44 and related provisions.(E+W+S)
- s.49BRegulations prohibiting discrimination because of protected disclosure(E+W+S)
- s.49DRedundancy or dismissal during a protected period of pregnancy(E+W+S)
- s.49ESection 49D: supplemental
- s.50Right to time off for public duties.(E+W+S)
- s.51Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.52Right to time off to look for work or arrange training.
- s.53Right to remuneration for time off under section 52.
- s.54Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.55Right to time off for ante-natal care.(E+W+S)
- s.56Right to remuneration for time off under section 55.
- s.57Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.57ZARight to time off for ante-natal care (agency workers)(E+W+S)
- s.57ZBRight to remuneration for time off under section 57ZA(E+W+S)
- s.57ZCComplaint to employment tribunal: agency workers(E+W+S)
- s.57ZDAgency workers: supplementary(E+W+S)
- s.57ZERight to time off to accompany to ante-natal appointment(E+W+S)
- s.57ZFComplaint to employment tribunal(E+W+S)
- s.57ZGRight to time off to accompany to ante-natal appointment: agency workers(E+W+S)
- s.57ZHComplaint to employment tribunal: agency workers(E+W+S)
- s.57ZIAgency workers: supplementary
- s.57ZJRight to paid time off to attend adoption appointments
- s.57ZKRight to remuneration for time off under section 57ZJ
- s.57ZLRight to unpaid time off to attend adoption appointments
- s.57ZMComplaint to employment tribunal(E+W+S)
- s.57ZNRight to paid time off to attend adoption appointments: agency workers
- s.57ZORight to remuneration for time off under section 57ZN
- s.57ZPRight to unpaid time off to attend adoption meetings: agency workers
- s.57ZQComplaint to employment tribunal: agency workers(E+W+S)
- s.57ZRAgency workers: supplementary
- s.57ZSPlacement of looked after children with prospective adopters(E+W+S)
- s.57ATime off for dependants.(E+W+S)
- s.57BComplaint to employment tribunal.(E+W+S)
- s.58Right to time off for pension scheme trustees.(E+W+S)
- s.59Right to payment for time off under section 58.
- s.60Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.61Right to time off for employee representatives.(E+W+S)
- s.62Right to remuneration for time off under section 61.
- s.63Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.63ARight to time off for young person in Wales or Scotland for study or training.(E+W+S)
- s.63BRight to remuneration for time off under section 63A.
- s.63CComplaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.63DStatutory right to make request in relation to study or training
- s.63ESection 63D application: supplementary
- s.63FEmployer's duties in relation to application
- s.63GRegulations about dealing with applications
- s.63HEmployee's duties in relation to agreed study or training
- s.63IComplaints to employment tribunals(E+W+S)
- s.63JRemedies
- s.63KSupplementary
- s.64Right to remuneration on suspension on medical grounds.(E+W+S)
- s.65Exclusions from right to remuneration.(E+W+S)
- s.66Meaning of suspension on maternity grounds.
- s.67Right to offer of alternative work.
- s.68Right to remuneration.
- s.68AMeaning of ending the supply of an agency worker on maternity grounds
- s.68BRight to offer of alternative work
- s.68CRight to remuneration
- s.68DAgency workers: supplementary
- s.69Calculation of remuneration.
- s.69ACalculation of remuneration (agency workers)
- s.70Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.70AComplaints to employment tribunals: agency workers(E+W+S)
- s.71(no heading)(E+W+S)
- s.72Compulsory maternity leave.
- s.73Additional maternity leave.(E+W+S)
- s.74Redundancy and dismissal.(E+W+S)
- s.75Sections 71 to 73: supplemental.
- s.75AOrdinary adoption leave(E+W+S)
- s.75BAdditional adoption leave(E+W+S)
- s.75CRedundancy and dismissal
- s.75DChapter 1A: supplemental(E+W+S)
- s.75EEntitlement to shared parental leave: birth
- s.75FEntitlement to leave under section 75E: further provision
- s.75GEntitlement to shared parental leave: adoption(E+W+S)
- s.75HEntitlement to leave under section 75G: further provision(E+W+S)
- s.75IRights during and after shared parental leave(E+W+S)
- s.75JRedundancy and dismissal
- s.75KChapter 1B: supplemental
- s.76Entitlement to parental leave.
- s.77Rights during and after parental leave.
- s.78Special cases.(E+W+S)
- s.79Supplemental.(E+W+S)
- s.80Complaint to employment tribunal.(E+W+S)
- s.80AEntitlement to ... paternity leave: birth(E+W+S)
- s.80AAEntitlement to additional paternity leave: birth(E+W+S)
- s.80BEntitlement to ... paternity leave: adoption(E+W+S)
- s.80BBEntitlement to additional paternity leave: adoption(E+W+S)
- s.80CRights during and after paternity leave(E+W+S)
- s.80DSpecial cases(E+W+S)
- s.80EChapter 3: supplemental(E+W+S)
- s.80EAParental bereavement Bereavement leave
- s.80EBRights during and after bereavement leave
- s.80ECSpecial cases
- s.80EDChapter 4: supplemental
- s.80EEApplication in relation to stillbirths
- s.80EFNeonatal care leave
- s.80EGRights during and after neonatal care leave
- s.80EHSpecial cases
- s.80EIChapter 5: supplemental
- s.80FStatutory right to request contract variation(E+W+S)
- s.80GEmployer’s duties in relation to application under section 80F(E+W+S)
- s.80HComplaints to employment tribunals(E+W+S)
- s.80IRemedies(E+W+S)
- s.80JCarer’s leave
- s.80KRights during and after carer’s leave
- s.80LSpecial cases
- s.80MPart 8B: supplemental
- s.80NComplaint to employment tribunal
- s.86Rights of employer and employee to minimum notice.(E+W+S)
- s.87Rights of employee in period of notice.
- s.88Employments with normal working hours.(E+W+S)
- s.89Employments without normal working hours.(E+W+S)
- s.90Short-term incapacity benefit , contributory employment and support allowance and industrial injury benefit.(E+W+S)
- s.91Supplementary.
- s.92Right to written statement of reasons for dismissal.(E+W+S)
- s.93Complaints to employment tribunal.(E+W+S)
- s.94The right.
- s.95Circumstances in which an employee is dismissed.(E+W+S)
- s.96(no heading)Omitted(E+W+S)
- s.97Effective date of termination.(E+W+S)
- s.98General.(E+W+S)
- s.98ZANo normal retirement age: dismissal before 65(E+W+S)
- s.98ZBNo normal retirement age: dismissal at or after 65(E+W+S)
- s.98ZCNormal retirement age: dismissal before retirement age(E+W+S)
- s.98ZDNormal retirement age 65 or higher: dismissal at or after retirement age(E+W+S)
- s.98ZENormal retirement age below 65: dismissal at or after retirement age(E+W+S)
- s.98ZFReason for dismissal: particular matters(E+W+S)
- s.98ZGRetirement dismissals: fairness(E+W+S)
- s.98ZHInterpretation(E+W+S)
- s.98AProcedural fairness(E+W+S)
- s.98BJury service(E+W+S)
- s.99Leave for family reasons.(E+W+S)
- s.100Health and safety cases.
- s.101Shop workers and betting workers who refuse Sunday work.
- s.101ZAShop workers who refuse to work additional hours on Sunday
- s.101AWorking time cases.(E+W+S)
- s.102Trustees of occupational pension schemes.
- s.103Employee representatives.
- s.103AProtected disclosure.
- s.104Assertion of statutory right.(E+W+S)
- s.104AThe national minimum wage.
- s.104BTax credits
- s.104CFlexible working(E+W+S)
- s.104DPension enrolment(E+W+S)
- s.104EStudy and training
- s.104FBlacklists
- s.104GEmployee shareholder status
- s.104IContracts of employment: restricted variations
- s.104JContracts of employment: variations that are not restricted variations
- s.104KRedundancy: replacement of employees with people who are not employees
- s.105Redundancy.(E+W+S)
- s.106Replacements.(E+W+S)
- s.107Pressure on employer to dismiss unfairly.
- s.108Qualifying period of employment.(E+W+S)
- s.109Upper age limit.(E+W+S)
- s.110Dismissal procedures agreements.(E+W+S)
- s.111Complaints to employment tribunal.(E+W+S)
- s.111AConfidentiality of negotiations before termination of employment(E+W+S)
- s.112The remedies: orders and compensation.(E+W+S)
- s.113The orders.
- s.114Order for reinstatement.(E+W+S)
- s.115Order for re-engagement.(E+W+S)
- s.116Choice of order and its terms.
- s.117Enforcement of order and compensation.(E+W+S)
- s.118General.(E+W+S)
- s.119Basic award.(E+W+S)
- s.120Basic award: minimum in certain cases.(E+W+S)
- s.121Basic award of two weeks’ pay in certain cases.
- s.122Basic award: reductions.(E+W+S)
- s.123Compensatory award.(E+W+S)
- s.124Limit of compensatory award etc.(E+W+S)
- s.124AAdjustments under the Employment Act 2002(E+W+S)
- s.125(no heading)Omitted(E+W+S)
- s.126Acts which are both unfair dismissal and discrimination.(E+W+S)
- s.127(no heading)Omitted(E+W+S)
- s.127AInternal appeal procedures.(E+W+S)
- s.127B(no heading)Omitted(E+W+S)
- s.128Interim relief pending determination of complaint.(E+W+S)
- s.129Procedure on hearing of application and making of order.(E+W+S)
- s.130Order for continuation of contract of employment.
- s.131Application for variation or revocation of order.(E+W+S)
- s.132Consequence of failure to comply with order.(E+W+S)
- s.133Death of employer or employee.(E+W+S)
- s.134Teachers in aided schools.(E+W+S)
- s.134AApplication to police.(E+W+S)
- s.135The right.
- s.136Circumstances in which an employee is dismissed.(E+W+S)
- s.137(no heading)Omitted(E+W+S)
- s.138No dismissal in cases of renewal of contract or re-engagement.
- s.139Redundancy.(E+W+S)
- s.140Summary dismissal.(E+W+S)
- s.141Renewal of contract or re-engagement.
- s.142Employee anticipating expiry of employer’s notice.(E+W+S)
- s.143Strike during currency of employer’s notice.(E+W+S)
- s.144Provisions supplementary to section 143.
- s.145The relevant date.(E+W+S)
- s.146Provisions supplementing sections 138 and 141.(E+W+S)
- s.147Meaning of “lay-off” and “short-time”.
- s.148Eligibility by reason of lay-off or short-time.
- s.149Counter-notices.(E+W+S)
- s.150Resignation.(E+W+S)
- s.151Dismissal.
- s.152Likelihood of full employment.
- s.153The relevant date.
- s.154Provisions supplementing sections 148 and 152.
- s.155Qualifying period of employment.
- s.156Upper age limit.(E+W+S)
- s.157Exemption orders.(E+W+S)
- s.158Pension rights.(E+W+S)
- s.159Public offices etc.
- s.160Overseas government employment.
- s.161Domestic servants.
- s.162Amount of a redundancy payment.(E+W+S)
- s.163References to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.164Claims for redundancy payment.(E+W+S)
- s.165Written particulars of redundancy payment.
- s.166Applications for payments.(E+W+S)
- s.167Making of payments.(E+W+S)
- s.168Amount of payments.(E+W+S)
- s.169Information relating to applications for payments.
- s.170References to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.171Employment not under contract of employment.(E+W+S)
- s.172Termination of employment by statute.
- s.173Employees paid by person other than employer.
- s.174Death of employer: dismissal.
- s.175Death of employer: lay-off and short-time.
- s.176Death of employee.
- s.177References to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.178Old statutory compensation schemes.
- s.179Notices.
- s.180Offences.
- s.181Interpretation.
- s.182Employee’s rights on insolvency of employer.
- s.183Insolvency.(E+W+S)
- s.184Debts to which Part applies.(E+W+S)
- s.185The appropriate date.
- s.186Limit on amount payable under section 182.(E+W+S)
- s.187Role of relevant officer.(E+W+S)
- s.188Complaints to employment tribunals.(E+W+S)
- s.189Transfer to Secretary of State of rights and remedies.(E+W+S)
- s.190Power to obtain information.
- s.191Crown employment.(E+W+S)
- s.192Armed forces.(E+W+S)
- s.193National security.(E+W+S)
- s.194House of Lords staff.(E+W+S)
- s.195House of Commons staff.(E+W+S)
- s.196(no heading)Omitted(E+W+S)
- s.197Fixed-term contracts.(E+W+S)
- s.198Short-term employment.(E+W+S)
- s.199Mariners.(E+W+S)
- s.200Police officers.(E+W+S)
- s.201Power to extend employment legislation to offshore employment.
- s.202National security.(E+W+S)
- s.202AContractual duties of confidentiality relating to harassment and discrimination
- s.203Restrictions on contracting out.(E+W+S)
- s.204Law governing employment.(E+W+S)
- s.205Remedy for infringement of certain rights.(E+W+S)
- s.205AEmployee shareholders(E+W+S)
- s.206Institution or continuance of tribunal proceedings.(E+W+S)
- s.207Rights and liabilities accruing after death.(E+W+S)
- s.207AExtension of time limits because of mediation in certain cross-border disputes(E+W+S)
- s.207BExtension of time limits to facilitate conciliation before institution of proceedings(E+W+S)
- s.208(no heading)Omitted(E+W+S)
- s.209Powers to amend Act.(E+W+S)
- s.210Introductory.(E+W+S)
- s.211Period of continuous employment.(E+W+S)
- s.212Weeks counting in computing period.(E+W+S)
- s.213Intervals in employment.
- s.214Special provisions for redundancy payments.
- s.215Employment abroad etc.(E+W+S)
- s.216Industrial disputes.
- s.217Reinstatement after military service.
- s.218Change of employer.(E+W+S)
- s.219Reinstatement or re-engagement of dismissed employee.(E+W+S)
- s.220Introductory.
- s.221General.
- s.222Remuneration varying according to time of work.
- s.223Supplementary.
- s.224Employments with no normal working hours.
- s.225Rights during employment.(E+W+S)
- s.226Rights on termination.(E+W+S)
- s.227Maximum amount.(E+W+S)
- s.228New employments and other special cases.(E+W+S)
- s.229Supplementary.
- s.230Employees, workers etc.(E+W+S)
- s.231Associated employers.
- s.232Shop workers.(E+W+S)
- s.233Betting workers(E+W+S)
- s.234Normal working hours.(E+W+S)
- s.235Other definitions.(E+W+S)
- s.2362 versionsOrders and regulations.(E+W+S)
- s.237Financial provisions.(E+W+S)
- s.238Reciprocal arrangements with Northern Ireland.
- s.239Reciprocal arrangements with Isle of Man.(E+W+S)
- s.240Consequential amendments.
- s.241Transitionals, savings and transitory provisions.(E+W+S)
- s.242Repeals and revocations.
- s.243Commencement.
- s.244Extent.
- s.245Short title.