• Employment Law Updates

UK Employment Law Updates in 2026

Stay ahead with the latest employment law updates. From HR policies to workplace rights and employee protections, laws are continuously being updated and changed to suit the evolving landscape of the modern workplace.

With the support of our employment law experts, get to know the updates that will impact your business in 2026.

Contact supportGet your free demoGet a price onlineGet a price online

Join 120,000+ global businesses that trust BrightHR

Salford City Football Club Logo
DPH Logo
Quooker logo
Mattinson partnership logo
Leicester students' union logo
theatr logo
Centrix Logo

Changes to industrial action rules from 18 February 2026

From 18 February 2026, employers will see significant changes to the rules around industrial action and trade union activity.

Employees dismissed for taking part in industrial action will gain increased protection. Any dismissal linked to industrial action will be classed as automatically unfair, removing the current 12-week limit for bringing an unfair dismissal claim.

Trade union rules will also change on the same date, including removing picket supervisors, reducing the notice required given by unions of industrial action, and simplifying ballot notices.

Find out more
A man wearing glasses and a gray suit is holding a phone and looking at it, while a woman in a black dress and glasses is holding a phone and looking at it as well.

Paternity and parental leave changes

From 6th April 2026, paternity and parental leave changes will come into effect. However, the UK government have announced that there will be a transitional period. This will reduce the notice period for paternity leave to 28 days to allow those who will become newly eligible to access the entitlement from the 6th April.

It's important to note that employees will be able to give notice from 18th February 2026 in anticipation of becoming newly eligible to take paternity/parental leave from 6th April 2026.

For those who are already eligible, this notice period will not change.

Ahead of these changes, it is essential that you review your HR policies and procedures to align with the new day one rights.

Find out more
A screenshot of a website with a white background, a blue header, and a white footer. The website has a blue header with a white "Dedication" button, and a blue footer with a white "Contact Us" button. The main page has a white background with a blue header and a white footer. There are two images on the page, one of a man and one of a woman, both of whom are engaged in a conversation on a laptop. The website also has a "

Employment Rights Act 2025 is here!

Introduced in October 2024, the major shake-up to employment rights in the UK has now been passed through parliament. With key changes to be implemented over the next two years, including:

  • Day one rights for employees such as SSP and family leave rights
  • A new employment law enforcement agency
  • Major changes to the rights of workers on zero-hours contracts
  • Flexible working will become a "default" for workers
Stay up to date
A mobile app for the UK that allows users to manage their personal information and access their contacts.

Minimum wage rates from April 2026

Thanks to updates from the Autumn Budget, we now know the new wage standards for April 2026 onwards.

How your business can stay ahead

As with any changes to pay, it is essential to get your payroll in order. This means adjusting hourly rates for employees currently receieving the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. With the support of a CIPP qualified payroll team, you don't have to worry about payroll headaches when the new wage standards come into effect.

Outsource Payroll
2019-01-01: 100,000

Immigration updates for workers from overseas

Changes to immigration laws will affect employers who wish to hire employees from abroad.

  • From December 16th 2025 the ISC is increasing by 32%. This means higher costs for employers sponsoring workers under the Skilled Worker or the Senior or Specialist Worker route.

  • Starting January 2026, English language requirements will also change, increasing the requirement to a level B2, equivalent to A-Level.

It's important to stay aware of changes to employment law and immigration requirements in the UK. As an employer you have a responsibility to ensure any job applicants you hire have a right to work in the UK.

Get In Touch
A screenshot of a Facebook app with a user profile picture on the left side. The app's user profile picture is a woman with glasses and a smile. The app's user profile picture is on a blue background with a white border. The app's user profile picture is on a green background with a white border. The app's user profile picture is on a blue background with a white border. The app's user profile picture is on a green background with a white border. The app's user profile

Get the advice you need

Stay compliant with employment laws in the UK with the support of HR experts.

Speak to an expert

How can you stay ahead?

HR never sleeps

Can't keep up with ever-evolving employment laws? Stay ahead of the curve with 24/7 expert support from our HR advice line.

Call an expert

Download our 2026 Survival Guide for Small Businesses

Guides

Thursday, March 26, 2026

A Small Business Survival Guide 2026

The Employment Rights Act marks a turning point in employment legislation. Major changes include sick pay rules, and expanded parental leave and enforcement.

Now is the time for businesses to act in order to avoid disruption to HR operations and potential penalties from the new Fair Work Agency. Download our Small Business Survival Guide to prepare your business for the Employment Rights Act today.

Read more

Stay up to date with BrightHR

Get the latest on legislation changes and new employment laws in the UK from our HR experts.

Speak to an expert