From minimum wage rises to statutory sick pay changes, People Management unpacks this month’s key legislative changes
31 March 2026
Multiple employment law changes are set to come into force in April. In addition to the usual uprate in the minimum wage, employers will also have to comply with new measures introduced under the Employment Rights Act.
These changes include updates to statutory sick pay entitlements, new whistleblowing protections and further reforms to trade union recognition.
A new enforcement body, the Fair Work Agency, will also be established to ensure employers comply with minimum wage, sick and holiday pay rules.
The UK’s minimum wage will rise from 1 April by 4.1 per cent, taking the national living wage for those aged 21 and over to 12.71 an hour.
Those aged 18 to 20 will see an 8.5 per cent rise to 10.85, while 16- to 17-year-olds and apprentices will receive a 6 per cent increase to 8 an hour.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said 2.7 million people will benefit from the increases, adding that “too many are struggling to make ends meet and that has to change”.
For more details on the minimum wage changes, click here.
Statutory sick pay (SSP) is set to become payable from the first day of illness from next week (6 April) under Employment Rights Act changes.
This will replace the current three-day waiting period before staff become eligible.
In addition, the lower earnings limit of 125 per week will be removed,...
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