UK Employment Rights Act Reforms Start in 2026

Millions of UK workers will gain enhanced employment protections under the Employment Rights Act, with sweeping changes taking effect from April 6, 2026. The reforms, which officials estimate will benefit around 15 million people or half the workforce, include immediate access to statutory sick pay for all employees, regardless of earnings, and day-one rights to parental and bereavement leave.

The most significant update targets statutory sick pay (SSP), a benefit providing income for those unable to work due to illness. Currently, SSP begins after a three-day waiting period and requires employees to earn at least £123 per week, with payments at a flat rate of £109.40 weekly as of 2025. From April 6, these barriers will end. SSP will start from the first day of absence, extend eligibility to low-wage, part-time, and irregular-hour workers, and be calculated at 80 percent of average weekly earnings or the uprated flat rate of £123.25, whichever is lower. This shift aims to ease financial strain during illness, particularly for those with unpredictable health issues.

Transitional rules apply for ongoing absences. Employees off sick before April 6 who previously qualified will...