From April 6, 2026, significant changes to employment law will take effect under the Employment Rights Act, impacting millions of workers across the UK. One of the key reforms is the removal of the three-day waiting period for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), making it a 'day one' right for all employees, including the lowest earners.
The government estimates that around 15 million workers, half of all employees, will benefit from these changes. Alongside sick pay, the Act introduces 'day one' rights for parental and bereavement leave, and bans unscrupulous fire and rehire practices. The reforms aim to eliminate insecure work, unfair wages, and poor conditions, boosting living standards.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak praised the changes, stating: 'The Employment Rights Act will deliver vital common sense reforms for millions of people across the country, including sick pay for all workers from day one, banning exploitative zero hours contracts and protecting workers from harassment.' He added that the Act could provide an estimated £10 billion boost to the economy.
A study by Acas found that the sick pay changes will have the greatest impact on workers and employers, followed by new unfair dismissal protections. From January 1, 2027, employees will gain unfair dismissal protection after six months, a reduction from the current two-year qualifying period.
Acas chief executive Niall Mackenzie said: 'The Employment Rights Act is a major shake-up in employment law and will impact businesses and workers across the country. It's crucial that both employers and employees get to grips with the new rules.' Acas will provide updated advice and training to support implementation.
