The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has launched a new website designed to help employers understand and prepare for the upcoming changes being introduced under the Employment Rights Act.
The site provides practical guidance, outlines the key reforms ahead, and explains what businesses can do now to get ready. It also includes a timeline showing when different measures are expected to take effect.
Several of the first changes are due to come into force from April 2026, and employers should start familiarising themselves with what these mean in practice.
Key Changes Arriving in April 2026:
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
More employees will qualify for Statutory Sick Pay. The reforms remove the minimum earnings threshold and the current three-day waiting period before SSP begins.
Day-One Family Leave Rights
Employees will gain the right to take Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave from the first day of their employment, rather than needing a qualifying period of service.
Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave
A new entitlement will be introduced allowing partners to take time off work following the death of a child’s mother or primary adopter.
Collective Redundancy Protections
Penalties for failing to comply with collective redundancy consultation rules are increasing, with higher protective awards possible.
Improved Protection for Workers Reporting Sexual Harassment
Additional safeguards will be introduced for workers who report incidents of sexual harassment, strengthening workplace protections.
The Fair Work Agency
A new organisation, the Fair Work Agency, will be created to help enforce workers’ rights while also supporting businesses in understanding and complying with employment regulations.
Preparing for the Changes
The new DBT website provides guidance to help employers prepare for these developments, along with a clear timeline showing when further reforms are expected to take effect.
If you employ staff, it’s worth reviewing the information now so you can plan ahead and update your policies where necessary. The site is a useful resource and well worth bookmarking for future reference.
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The Team at London Accountants
