Employment Law Revolution: Free Webinars for Cornwall’s SMEs on 2026 Reforms

Cornwall’s small businesses are facing the biggest employment law overhaul in decades – and many don’t even know it’s coming. The Employment Rights Act 2025 will introduce sweeping changes from April 2026, with further reforms in October and major updates in 2027.

To help SMEs stay ahead, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub is hosting two free online webinars packed with practical advice, compliance checklists and risk management strategies.

The session will be run by Chris Morse and Laura McFadyen, Partners in the Employment team at Stephens Scown LLP, a leading South West law firm with a long‑established presence in Cornwall through its Truro office. 

“These changes aren’t just tweaks, they’re gamechangers,” says Chris. “From day-one sick pay and parental leave to new rules on fire-and-rehire and harassment prevention, businesses need to act now. Our webinars will give business leaders the clarity and confidence to plan ahead.”

Session 1 – Tuesday 24 February 10AM
Employment Rights Act 2025 Essentials – Build Your Compliance Roadmap

• Strategic overview of the Act and compliance priorities
• April 2026 reforms explained: statutory sick pay, day-one leave, whistleblowing, Fair Work Agency, redundancy awards, union reforms
• Forward look at October 2026 and 2027 changes
• Practical compliance steps for SMEs

Register Here https://meeting.ciosgrowthhub.com/meeting/register?sessionId=1283947768

Session 2 – Tuesday 17 March 10AM 
Future-Proof Your Business – October & 2027 Reforms

• Recap April reforms
• October 2026 changes: fire & rehire, harassment prevention, NDA changes, tipping law, extended union rights
• Major 2027 changes: unfair dismissal, zero-hours restrictions, flexible working, pregnancy rights, bereavement leave, gender pay gap and menopause action plans
• Workforce planning and risk management strategies

Register Here https://meeting.ciosgrowthhub.com/meeting/register?sessionId=1297580343

Why attend?
These sessions are designed for SME owners, HR managers and professional advisers. This training is an opportunity for businesses to turn reform into opportunity and build a better workforce. Attendees will leave armed with a clear roadmap for compliance and equipped with the tools to navigate the new employment landscape.