New provisions in the Employment Rights Act took effect from 6 April 2026, including the launch of the Fair Work Agency, which combines three separate agencies to enforce employment rights more effectively and efficiently.
Employees taking sick leave will now be entitled to receive Statutory Sick Pay from their first day of sickness absence, instead of waiting until the fourth day. In addition, the Lower Earnings Limit has been abolished, meaning that all eligible employees can now access SPP regardless of how much their earn, extending entitlement to many lower-paid and part-time workers.
The way SSP is calculated has also been updated, with employees receiving either 80% of their average weekly earnings or the flat statutory rate (now £123.25 per week), whichever is lower. Together, these changes are designed to widen access to financial support during illness, reduce presenteeism, and provide earlier income protection for workers.
New fathers and partners have gained the right to paternity leave from their first day in a new job, instead of needing to wait six months. Day one rights to unpaid parental leave have also begun; previously parents had to wait a year before qualifying. Parents are also granted a new right to take Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave following the death of a child’s mother or primary adopter.
Employers will need to make sure that their sickness and employment policies are updated to reflect the new laws. Employers who operate in Great Britain as well as Northern Ireland will need to make sure their policies and payroll software correctly account for the employee’s location.
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