Draft Employment Rights Act 2025 (Investigatory Powers) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026

Experts warn of major HR fine risk as new workers' rights agency launches

In a snap poll, Breathe HR, who support over 17,000 SMEs across the UK to manage HR tasks and stay compliant, found that over a third (36%) of those handling HR in UK SMEs have never heard of the Fair Work Agency, which will be responsible for the enforcement of many employment rights from the 7th April 2026. A further 50% said that while they have heard about the new body, they only know a little about it. HR experts suggest this points to a lack of awareness around the latest employment right

Compliance the focus as 'far reaching' Employment Rights Act changes arrive

Employers have been reminded to review their HR processes and compliance, with the arrival this week of significant reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025. The changes that came in from 6 April, including the expansion of day-one family-related rights, changes to statutory sick pay, reforms to the statutory recognition process for trade unions, and penalties for non-compliance, are all "far reaching", the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said. "April 6 marks a significant

Preparing For The Employment Rights Act: What Hospitality And Leisure Employers Should Be Doing Now - CLH News: Caterer, Licensee and Hotelier News - News for Pubs, Bars, Hotels and Restaurants

The Employment Rights Act introduces a wide range of reforms which will come into force in stages throughout 2026 and 2027. For employers in the hospitality and leisure sector, these changes arrive against the backdrop of an already challenging employment landscape, characterised by high staff turnover, casual working arrangements and increasing tribunal risk. Research by Birketts highlights that hospitality and leisure businesses face higher-than-average exposure to employment tribunal claims

Employment Law Changes in April 2026

April 2026 introduces a set of employment law changes that alter when statutory rights apply and how employer risk arises in practice. Several entitlements now apply from the first day of employment, while enforcement exposure and compensation limits have also increased. For employers, the impact is less about new rights and more about earlier compliance, tighter processes and greater scrutiny of day-to-day decisions. Employment law changes in April 2026 April 2026 marks a key implementation p

Law change affecting sick days - what it means for you

Major changes are on the horizon for all employees from 6 April - with the government stating that approximately 15 million individuals, half of all workers, stand to gain. Seven crucial provisions in the Employment Rights Act will be implemented next month. One significant new adjustment will affect anyone who takes a sick day. Other updates to employment law include 'day one' rights for parental and bereavement leave, and the termination of unscrupulous fire and rehire practices. Officials c

Sick pay changes for millions of workers from April 6

There are changes to sick pay for millions of workers(Image: Ekaterina Goncharova via Getty Images) Major changes are set to be implemented for all workers from April 6 - and the government has stated that approximately fifteen million people, half of all workers, are expected to benefit. Seven crucial measures in the Employment Rights Act will come into effect next month. One significant new change will affect anyone who takes a day off due to illness. Other updates to employment law include

New sick pay rules from April 6 that will affect anyone who takes a day off

Sweeping workplace reforms are set to take effect from April 6 - with the government estimating that approximately fifteen million people, representing half of all employees, stand to gain. Seven crucial provisions within the Employment Rights Act will be implemented next month. A significant new measure will affect anyone taking sick leave. Additional employment law changes encompass immediate entitlements to parental and bereavement leave, alongside ending exploitative fire and rehire tactics

Anyone taking day off sick from April 6 told of change to law

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Massive changes are coming in for all workers from April 6 - and the government has said that around fifteen million people, half of all workers, are set to benefit. Seven key measures in the Employment Rights Act come into force next month. One key new change will impact anyone who takes a day off sick. Other employment law updates include 'day one' ri

Change to law for anyone taking day off sick from April 6

Anyone taking a day off sick from April 6 will find the law has changed for employers(Image: Getty Images) Major changes are on the horizon for all employees from 6 April - with the government stating that approximately fifteen million individuals, half of all workers, stand to gain. Seven crucial provisions in the Employment Rights Act will be implemented next month. One significant new adjustment will affect anyone who takes a sick day. Other updates to employment law include 'day one' right

Retailers sound alarm over workers' rights after youth jobs slump

Two of Britain's best-known high street retailers have sounded the alarm over Labour's new workers' rights laws as youth unemployment soars. After figures showing joblessness among the young at an 11-year high, the boss of hi-fi and TV chain Richer Sounds said the legislation could have a further negative impact on their prospects. And electricals retailer Currys urged the government to ensure the Employment Right Act 'doesn't threaten the very jobs it's designed to protect'. The intervention

UK risks 'jobless generation' as retail employment falls to record low - Retail Gazette

The UK retail sector could be at risk of creating a "jobless generation" after employment in the industry fell to its lowest level on record, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics. Retail employment averaged 2.81 million roles in 2025 on a four-quarter basis, down 68,000 year on year and 383,000 lower than a decade ago, marking a significant contraction in one of the UK's largest employment sectors. The decline has been driven by sustained reductions in both full-time a

Businesses need to get ready for changes to workplace rights

With a significant wave of employment law reforms set to reshape the workplace over the next 12-24 months, business owners across the North West face one of the most important periods of change in recent memory, according to Sylviane Kokouendo, Associate Partner in the Employment Law team at Slater Heelis Solicitors. Sylviane Kokouendo brings a wealth of international experience to the Employment team. Fluent in both French and English, Sylviane has advised both employers and employees across

10 employment law changes in April 2026

As well as the usual April compliance actions and changes to employment law that HR professionals will be expecting, April 2026 brings additional measures being introduced under the Employment Rights Act 2025. Rob Moss summarises 10 legal changes for employers to prepare for. Since the Employment Rights Bill received Royal Assent just before Christmas, the government has begun introducing new regulations. A handful of changes came into force last month when the government introduced reforms to