The Employment Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, making it law after more than a year of parliamentary debate. The Act introduces phased UK employment reforms with major updates from 6 April 2026. These updates change the rules for statutory sick pay (SSP), parental rights, dismissal rules, and enforcement through a new regulator. However, changes such as the reduction of the unfair dismissal qualifying period is delayed until January 2027.

SSP is the first of our updates for you!

The immediate changes with effect from 6 April are:

  • Statutory Sick Pay starts from Day 1, previously the right to SSP commenced on the 4th day of sickness, so therefore the three day wait is now abolished
  • The Lower Earnings Limit has been removed, the effect of this is to expand the eligibility to all workers regardless of earnings
  • A new rule is introduced for low earners – 80% (flat rate or 80% of weekly earnings, whichever is lower)
  • SSP itself rises to £123.25 per week, from £118.75.

If you are an employee or employer seeking advice on the changes the new Employment Rights Act 2025 brings then please do get in touch.