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Statutory sick pay (SSP)
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Stayed informed about the latest Employment Rights Act (ERA) updates
This page is your go‑to hub for the latest updates and information on the ERA, as well as what your business needs to do to prepare for the changes. It brings together the latest developments, REC resources and opportunities for members to engage with the policy agenda.
The latest on the ERA Key REC resources 12-month legal timeline
Legal advice events
1. Day one rights are expanding. April 2026
Statutory Sick Pay, paternity leave, unpaid parental leave, and the right to request flexible working will all become day‑one rights from April 2026.
2. Unfair dismissal rules are changing. Jan 2027
The qualifying period for unfair dismissal will drop from two years to six months, and the cap on unfair dismissal compensation will be removed. This increases risk and expands worker protections.
3. Guaranteed hours and shift rights. 2027
Workers with regular working patterns will gain rights to guaranteed hours contracts, plus protections around notice of shifts and cancellation pay.
4. The new Fair Work Agency (FWA) launches April 2026.
The Fair Work Agency will merge the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, GLAA and National Minimum Wage enforcement
What this means for recruiters
- Stronger enforcement of agency worker regulations, minimum wage, and holiday pay.
- Workplace inspections, access to records, and civil penalties of up to 200% for underpayment.
- The FWA can bring tribunal claims on behalf of workers, a major shift with implications for labour suppliers and recruitment agencies.
- A single point of contact for employer guidance and compliance queries.
5. Higher penalties for non‑compliance.
With strengthened enforcement under the FWA, penalties for issues such as underpayment, faulty record‑keeping, and other breaches will increase. Recruiters will face greater scrutiny over payroll accuracy, working time records, and agency worker protections working time records, and agency worker protections
1. Update contracts and documentation.
Revise templates to reflect day one rights (2026), SSP changes (2026) and guaranteed hours obligations (2027) once the full regulations have been published.
Check out the REC's template documents
2. Review probation procedures.
With unfair dismissal risks applying after six months, recruiters can support clients with developing robust early stage performance documentation and fair procedures.
Explore the REC's legal guides
3. Provide guidance for clients.
Provide up to date briefings to hiring managers on dismissal procedures, shift cancellation rules, and emerging ERA reforms to mitigate legal risk.
4. Stay informed through trusted guidance.
Actively monitor upcoming ERA reforms and related regulatory changes using resources such as REC Legal news and views, REC 12-month legal timeline, as well as our REC campaigns updates.
ERA: Crib sheet
Get your free Employment Rights Act Crib Sheet and stay ahead of the 2026 reforms with everything recruiters need to know about zero-hours changes, sick pay, and new enforcement rules
Statutory Sick Pay: your resources
Key REC resources
12-month legal timeline
Keep on top of the latest legal updates and what they mean for your recruitment business with the REC's 12-month legal timeline
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