The Fair Work Agency (FWA) was formally established on 7 April 2026 as an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade, bringing together a number of existing labour market enforcement functions.
It assumes responsibility for enforcement previously carried out by the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. Responsibility for national minimum wage enforcement will remain with HMRC until April 2027, and will then be taken over by the FWA.
Alongside its launch, the government published a strategic policy paper setting out expectations for the FWA during its transitional year (2026–2027). At the same time, the FWA issued an enforcement policy statement and a Code of Practice dealing with labour market enforcement undertakings and orders.
The government has identified five core priorities for the FWA during its first year.
A central theme is reducing regulatory burdens on compliant employers, including through clearer guidance (working with Acas), better use of digital tools and reducing duplication across enforcement regimes.
There is also a strong emphasis on the use of intelligence and data. The FWA is expected to develop systems to support its future operating model, including preparing for full responsibility for minimum wage enforcement from April 2027 and improving data sharing across functions.
Raising awareness is another key focus. The FWA is expected to create a single,...
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