Nearly eight in ten employers of shift workers in Britain believe they are prepared for forthcoming changes to employment law, but fewer than a third say they are fully ready for the new requirements, according to new research.
A survey commissioned by workforce management technology provider Quinyx found that 79 percent of employers considered themselves prepared for the Employment Rights Act 2025 provisions on shift work, while only 31 percent said they were fully prepared. More than half, 51 percent, acknowledged difficulties managing the complexity of compliance when organising staff rotas.
Based on research involving 1,000 UK employers of shift workers and 2,003 shift workers, the study highlights the challenges businesses face ahead of reforms expected to take effect during 2027. The legislation will introduce new protections for workers on zero-hours and low-hours contracts, including rights relating to guaranteed hours, advance notice of shifts and compensation for certain last-minute changes.
Employers face challenges with rota management
The poll found that many employers continue to rely on traditional methods to organise and communicate working hours, potentially complicating their preparations for the new requirements. Two in five employers, 40 percent, said they create rotas using Excel or similar spreadsheet software, while 22 percent use pen and paper. Only 25 percent reported using artificial intelligence to produce rotas aligned with regulatory requirements.
Communication methods also varied considerably. Nearly two in five employers, 39 percent, said they print rotas and display them in staff areas, while 28 percent communicate shift arrangements through WhatsApp or text messages. A further 21 percent said they communicate rotas verbally.
The Employment Rights Act will introduce a right for eligible workers on zero-hours and low-hours contracts to be offered guaranteed hours reflecting their regular working patterns. It will also establish rights to reasonable notice of shifts and payments when shifts are cancelled, moved or curtailed at short notice.
Employers will therefore need reliable information about hours worked, shifts offered and subsequent changes to working arrangements. The use of spreadsheets or informal communication methods does not itself constitute a compliance failure, but businesses will need to ensure their systems and processes can meet the new statutory requirements.
Staffing costs and workforce reductions anticipated
The survey suggests that employers recognise the need to review their existing arrangements. Two in five, 40 percent, said they would need to upgrade their workforce management technology, while 38 percent expected to provide additional training for managers.
Businesses also expressed concern about the financial consequences of the reforms. More than a third, 34 percent, anticipated increased staffing costs as a result of the Employment Rights Act, while 23 percent expected to reduce employee numbers.
These figures reflect employers’ expectations rather than confirmed cost increases or planned redundancies attributable to the legislation.
Ned Gammell, head of UK and Ireland at Quinyx, said the new requirements would place additional demands on businesses already managing rising costs.
“Getting rotas wrong will have far-reaching implications, from a dissatisfied workforce to a compliance breach. While many businesses feel ready, you can’t reliably track hours worked and shift notice given on a spreadsheet, a noticeboard or a WhatsApp group,” he said.
He argued that employers should invest in appropriate systems and manager training to improve oversight of working patterns and help control costs.
Workers expect improvements to wellbeing
Among the 2,003 UK shift workers surveyed, 57 percent were aware of the Employment Rights Act, while 42 percent expected improvements to their mental health and 37 percent anticipated a better social and family life as a result of the reforms.
More than two in five, 42 percent, expected the changes to improve their mental health, while 37 percent anticipated a better social and family life. These figures represent workers’ expectations rather than measured outcomes of the legislation.
The reforms are intended to provide greater predictability for people whose working hours can vary substantially, although the detailed operation of the new rights will depend on the relevant regulations and implementation arrangements.
The research was conducted by polling firm Censuswide between 9 and 21 September 2026. Quinyx also commissioned economic analysis from Development Economics using Office for National Statistics data alongside the survey findings.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
