Fair Work Agency

The new Fair Work Agency, which launched on 7 April 2026, brought together enforcement of key employment rights into one place. For most employers who already comply with the law, this will mean better access to guidance and support.

Key changes

• The Fair Work Agency consolidated enforcement of rights including National Minimum Wage, agency worker protections, and gangmaster licencing.
• Over time, the Fair Work Agency will take on enforcement of additional rights such as holiday pay
• The agency now has powers to investigate breaches, issues civil penalties and take action against labour exploitation.
• A statutory advisory board with business, trade union and independent representation will guide the agency.

What this means for employers

The Fair Work Agency will not create new legal obligations. However:

• Inspections and enforcement may operate differently.
• Where you go for advice and support will change. From 7 April, you can submit general enquiries to contact@fairworkagency.gov.uk
• Employers who already follow good practice should not be affected.

Actions to take:

• Familiarise yourself with the Fair Work Agency's enforcement policy statement.
• Review your compliance with existing employment rights (e.g. National Minimum Wage, holiday pay, agency worker regulations).
• Review your record keeping policies and make sure you are keeping appropriate records to show that you are meeting your legal obligations as an employer.
• Understand how to contact the agency if you need guidance.

Territorial extent:

The Fair Work Agency’s (FWA) remit combines the functions of the current state enforcement bodies, covering:

• The National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wages across the whole of the United Kingdom.
• Serious labour exploitation and modern slavery related offences currently tackled by the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in England and Wales.
• The gangmasters licensing regime across the whole of the United Kingdom.
• The regulation of employment agencies and employment businesses in England, Wales and Scotland currently enforced by the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS).

The Fair Work Agency’s remit does not extend to:

• Modern Slavery offences are devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The FWA will continue the GLAA’s close working with the police, local authorities and other relevant enforcement bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Employment law is devolved to Northern Ireland. In line with the existing devolution settlement, regulation of employment agencies and employment businesses in Northern Ireland will continue to be carried out by the Employment Agency Inspectorate (EAI) within the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy.
• Enforcement of agricultural wages in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will remain the responsibility of devolved governments.

More information

For new and updated FWA content please visit the Fair Work Agency organisation pageopens www.gov.uk in a new tab and for more information see the Fair Work Agency factsheetopens assets.publishing.service.gov.uk in a new tab