Stockport HR experts step in to reassure businesses over Employment Rights Act changes

Business owners and senior leaders across Stockport and Greater Manchester are being invited to a free Lunch & Learn event, hosted by Stockport-based HR consultancy Cornerstone Resources.

The session is designed to bring clarity, reassurance and practical next steps around the Employment Rights Act 2025. The 90-minute seminar will take place at Cowgills, formerly IN Accountancy, in Hazel Grove on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

The event has been created for SMEs, charities and local employers who want to understand what has already changed this year, what lands on 30 October 2026, and what is expected in 2027, without the panic, fear-mongering or legal jargon.

With changes covering Statutory Sick Pay, family leave, whistleblowing protections, harassment duties, third-party harassment, trade union rights, tribunal time limits and future reforms to unfair dismissal, zero-hours contracts, bereavement leave, flexible working and NDAs, Cornerstone Resources says many employers are not ignoring the changes. They are simply overwhelmed by the amount of information around them.

Rob Birley, Co-Founder and Director at Cornerstone Resources, said:

“There is a lot of noise around employment law reform at the moment, especially with further October changes approaching.

“Our approach is no panic, no drama. Just pragmatic advice and sensible actions. This event is about giving local businesses the full picture in plain English, so they know what matters now, what can be planned for, and what they need to have in place.”

The free session will include lunch and networking from 12:00pm, followed by an employment law update and open Q&A with Rob and Nicci Birley (pictured), who will be joined by Senior HR Consultants from the Cornerstone Resources team, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Attendees will leave with a practical checklist of what to check, update or introduce in their contracts, policies and processes.

The event is particularly aimed at business owners, managing directors, directors and senior leaders in Stockport, Hazel Grove, Bramhall, Marple, Cheadle and across Greater Manchester, especially those without an in-house HR team.

Nicci Birley, Co-Founder and Director at Cornerstone Resources, said:

“Most employers do not need another scary headline. They need a calm explanation of what the legislation means for their organisation day to day.

“We want people to leave reassured, with a clear action list and realistic deadlines. Whether they are a commercial business or a charity, they should feel more confident about what to do next.”

Places are limited, and advance booking is required by emailing Cornerstone Resources. Lunch is provided free of charge, and attendees can share any dietary requirements when they register.