Pay & Contracts
April is always a key moment in the HR calendar, and 2026 is no exception. Alongside the usual annual uplifts to statutory pay rates, this year brings something more significant: changes that signal a shift in how workplace rights are enforced and experienced, particularly through the introduction of the Employment Rights Act 2025 and the forthcoming Fair Work Agency. For SME employers, this isn’t just about updating payroll systems. It’s about understanding the direction of travel and ensuring your business…
Proposed reforms to Statutory Sick Pay are due to take effect from April 2026 as part of the wider Employment Rights Act agenda. While the full detail has yet to be confirmed, the direction of travel is clear and employers, particularly those engaging casual and variable-hours workers, are already beginning to ask how the changes will affect them in practice. At present, Statutory Sick Pay is only payable to employees who meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum earnings threshold.…
The Employment Rights Bill has been moving through Parliament for what feels like an eternity, and many business owners have understandably struggled to keep track of where things stand. The political back-and-forth has been intense, with the Bill caught in a legislative tug of war between the House of Commons and the House of Lords. But at long last, we have clarity on one of the most important and controversial aspects of the reforms: unfair dismissal rights. The Government has…