New employment rights: Guidance for businesses and workers

From February 2026, upgraded employment rights will begin to take effect.

These changes will be introduced gradually between 2026 and 2027, giving employers time to prepare and ensuring workers have clear information about their new rights.

Whether you're an employer preparing for these changes or a worker wanting to understand your rights, you'll find guidance and support here.

This site will be updated regularly, so please check back for the most up-to-date information.

Upcoming changes

Changes from February 2026:

• Trade Union Measures: Simpler requirements for trade unions, including in relation to industrial action.

Changes from April 2026:

• Statutory Sick Pay: More employees will qualify, with no earnings threshold and no three-day waiting period.
• Day-one family leave: Employees entitled to Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave from the first day in a new job. Notice can be given from 18 February.
• Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave: New right to time off following the death of a child's mother or primary adopter.
• Collective redundancy protections: Increase to the protective award for non-compliance.
• Whistleblowing protections: Stronger protections for workers who report sexual harassment.
• Simpler enforcement through the Fair Work Agency: A new body to uphold workers' rights and support businesses with compliance.