Amendments to the Employment Rights Act include changes to statutory sick pay and paternity leave to benefit more workers.
The government says that millions of people across England and Wales will benefit from changes to the Employment Rights Act that came into force with the new tax year, as of April 6, 2026.
Photo by Bernd Dittrich / Unsplash
Under the new rules, employees will receive statutory sick pay from the first day of their sick absence – and not the fourth day, as previously. The change affects all employees, regardless of how much they are paid. It’s thought the change will result in an extra £400m paid out to workers each year.
The aim is to ensure that people take the time they need to rest and recover from sickness, without fearing loss of income. That should mean they recover sooner and it may even help limit the spread of illness through the workplace – in both casts helping to boost productivity.
In another change to employment law, paternity leave is now available to workers from their first day in a job, and not after six months’ employment. It’s thought some 32,000 fathers and partners will benefit each year. So-called ‘Day one rights’ have also been introduced for unpaid parental leave, for those wishing to extend their paid leave. This had previously been available only after 12 month’s employment. This change is expected to benefit some 1.5m fathers and partners.
The introduction of bereaved partner’s paternity leave means that, for the first time, parents now have a right to time off work after the death of a child’s mother or primary adopter. This change in the law follows dedicated campaigning by widower Aaron Horsey, the charity Gingerbread and others.
What’s more, the new Fair Work Agency, launching today (April 7) brings together three separate agencies to ensure employment rights can be enforced more effectively and efficiently.
Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, says: ‘“Day one rights mean exactly that: rights that are there for you from the moment you start a job, and from the moment you get sick. Whether you’re a low-paid employee who’s been forced to work while unwell, or a new parent who wants to be there for their family, these changes are for you. We’re delivering the most significant upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.’
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