The Fair Work Agency launches on Tuesday 7th April: what REC members need to know

The Fair Work Agency officially launches on Tuesday 7th April 2026, marking a significant shift in how labour market enforcement is organised across the UK.

REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry has been appointed to the Agency’s Advisory Board, bringing strong business insight, deep knowledge of labour rights and a clear commitment to promoting good work. His appointment ensures the recruitment sector has a voice at the table as the new Agency takes shape.

A new single enforcement body

From launch, the Fair Work Agency will bring together the functions of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) and the Office of the Director of Labour Market Enforcement (DLME) into one organisation. It will operate as an Executive Agency of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), creating a more joined-up and streamlined enforcement landscape.

The new Agency will also be responsible for enforcing the National Minimum Wage. In practice, this function will continue to be delivered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the first year under a service level agreement, ensuring continuity while the new structure beds in.

What this means in practice

For REC members, the immediate experience should remain the same. The Government has made clear that its priority is to ensure that existing services continue without disruption. Current processes remain in place, existing teams will continue their work, and there is no sudden change to compliance obligations on day one.

However, the direction of travel is clear. Over time, enforcement is expected to become more coordinated, more visible and more comprehensive.

Why this matters

The Fair Work Agency is designed to strengthen protection for workers, improve support for victims of labour exploitation and create a fairer environment for businesses that play by the rules.

For the recruitment sector, a more effective and unified enforcement body should help tackle non-compliance and undercutting, supporting a more level playing field for responsible agencies.

Practical changes to be aware of

From 7 April, services will be accessed via GOV.UK:
https://www.gov.uk/fair-work-agency

Complaints relating to pay and work rights should continue to be submitted here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints

The standalone GLAA website will be archived, with content remaining accessible via the National Archives.

A new central contact number, 0345 161 6000, will be introduced, although existing numbers for GLAA, EAS and DLME will continue to operate during the transition.

For National Minimum Wage queries, workers and employers should continue to contact Acas, which remains the first port of call for advice on employment rights:
https://www.acas.org.uk

In Northern Ireland, contact the Labour Relations Agency (LRA):
https://www.lra.org.uk

If enquiries are directed to the Fair Work Agency in error, they will be redirected appropriately.

Email addresses will also transition and follow the format of firstname.lastname@fairworkagency.gov.uk, with current addresses forwarding during the transition period.

Looking ahead

The creation of the Fair Work Agency is the first step in a broader programme of reform. Over the course of 2026 and 2027, the Government has indicated that the Agency’s remit will expand to include areas such as holiday pay enforcement and wider pay rights.

This sits alongside wider changes in employment regulation and points towards a more joined-up approach to labour market oversight.

REC view

The launch of the FWA represents a positive step towards a clearer and more consistent enforcement landscape. A more coordinated system should improve clarity, reduce fragmentation and help address bad practice. As the Agency develops, it will be important that enforcement continues to reflect the realities of flexible and temporary work and avoids placing unnecessary administrative burdens on compliant businesses.

It will also be critical that the Fair Work Agency retains the existing expertise within the current enforcement bodies and is adequately resourced to deliver on its expanded remit.

The REC will continue to engage closely with Government and the Fair Work Agency as it develops, ensuring the voice of the recruitment sector is heard at every stage.