1. Day-one rights for parents
From 6 April 2026, employees gain stronger family-related protections under the Employment Rights Act 2025:
- Paternity leave becomes a day-one right (previously required 26 weeks’ service).
- Unpaid parental leave becomes a day-one right (previously required one year of service).
- Bereaved partners may take up to 52 weeks of leave if the child’s mother or primary adopter dies within the first year after birth or adoption.
People impact:
Improves early-career access to parental rights and supports families during major life events.
2. Statutory sick pay expanded
Changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) take effect 6 April 2026:
- Sick pay becomes payable from the first day of illness (removing the previous 3-day waiting period).
- The lower earnings threshold is removed, enabling more low-paid workers to qualify.
- SSP will be 80% of average weekly earnings or the statutory rate (£123.25), whichever is lower.
People impact:
Millions of workers—especially part-time and lower-paid employees—gain access to sick pay for the first time.
3. Stronger whistleblowing protections
From April 2026, reporting sexual harassment becomes a protected disclosure under whistleblowing law.
- Workers who report harassment will be protected from detriment or unfair dismissal.
People impact:
Encourages safer reporting environments and greater protection for victims and witnesses.
4. Increased protection during collective redundancies
The maximum protective award for failure to consult employees during collective redundancies will increase:
- From 90 days’ pay to 180 days’ pay per employee.
People impact:
Provides stronger financial protection where employers fail to properly consult workers.
5. New national enforcement body
A new government body, the Fair Work Agency, will launch in April 2026.
- It will enforce rights relating to minimum wage, sick pay, holiday pay and labour standards.
People impact:
Centralised enforcement aims to improve compliance and strengthen workers’ ability to claim their rights.
6. National Minimum Wage increases
From April 2026, statutory wage rates increase under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 framework:
- Age 21+ (National Living Wage): £12.71/hour
- Age 18–20: £10.85/hour
- Age 16–17 and apprentices: £8.00/hour.
People impact:
Higher statutory wages aim to support living standards for lower-paid workers.
7. Strengthened collective and trade union rights
Changes introduced during 2025–2026 include:
- Removal of minimum service level rules for strikes.
- Extended protections against dismissal for taking part in lawful industrial action.
- Reduced strike notice period (14 days → 10 days).
People impact:
Enhances collective bargaining rights and participation in industrial action.
Are you being discriminated against, concerned about wrongdoing in the public interest, being treated less favourably , or unfairly with your employment rights being breached? If so, call WELL TU now for a free consultation on 0116 326 2836.
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