06/04/2026
IMPORTANT Employment updates for employees and employers
As we now enter the 2025/26 financial year, there are some keep updates which employees and employers needs to be aware of.
Key Employment Law Changes – Effective 6 April 2026 (UK)
1. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Payable from day one of sickness (no more 3 day waiting period).
SSP rate increased to £123.25 per week, or 80% of average weekly earnings if lower.
2. Paternity Leave – Now a Day-One Right
The 26 week qualifying period is removed — employees can take paternity leave from their first day of employment.
3. Unpaid Parental Leave – Also a Day-One Right
Previously required one year’s service — now available immediately upon employment.
Up to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave per child remains unchanged, but eligibility starts immediately.
4. New Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave
New statutory right from 6 April 2026.
Up to 52 weeks of unpaid leave if the mother/primary adopter dies within the child’s first year.
5. Collective Redundancy – Penalties Doubled
Protective award increased from 90 days to 180 days’ pay for failure to collectively consult.
Significant cost risk for employers planning restructures.
6. Strengthened Whistleblowing Protection (Sexual Harassment)
Reporting sexual harassment now counts as a protected disclosure under whistleblowing law.
Workers have stronger protection from dismissal or detriment for raising concerns.
7. National Minimum Wage & Statutory Rate Increases
From 1 April 2026:
National Living Wage (21+): £12.71
Age 18–20: £10.85
Age 16–17: £8.00
Apprentice rate: £8.00
Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption etc. also increased from 5–6 April.
Additionally There are some new cost to employers which should be noted
Employer NIC rate: 15% on all employee earnings above £5,000 per year.
This rate increased from 13.8% to 15% in April 2025 and remains at this higher level throughout 2026/27.
Whist this is all aimed at benefiting UK employees, how will this affect small business and startups?
Especially business already struggling. fs