April’s Employment Rights Act 2025 changes  

Your guide to April’s changes – and what you need to do now 

The Employment Rights Act 2025 (the ERA) is the biggest shake-up to UK employment law in decades. While changes are being rolled out over time, April 2026 marks the first major deadline, and it’s one you can’t afford to miss. 

From Statutory Sick Pay reforms to day-one rights and the launch of the Fair Work Agency, these changes will impact how you manage people, policies, and risk. 

This guide breaks down exactly what’s changing in April, what it means in practice, and the key steps to take now to stay compliant. Plus, a clear checklist to make sure your business is ready. 

Why April matters 

The ERA isn’t landing all at once, it’s being introduced in stages. But April 2026 is the first real test for employers, bringing multiple changes at the same time. 

The April changes will affect: 

• Absence and pay processes 

• Parental leave rights 

• Workplace investigations and complaints 

• Enforcements and inspections  

The difference between staying compliant and falling behind comes down to preparation now, not later. 

What’s changing in April (at a glance) 

Inside this guide, we break down: 

• Statutory Sick Pay reforms – day-one entitlement and wider eligibility  

• Day-one rights for paternity and parental leave  

• Stronger protections for sexual harassment complaints  

• Trade union changes and recognition rules  

• The new Fair Work Agency with enforcement powers  

Plus, what these changes mean for your policies, payroll, and managers. 

Included: your April compliance checklist 

Alongside the guide, you’ll get a ready-to-use checklist to help you take action straight away, covering: 

• Policy and contract updates 

• Manager training and communication 

• Compliance checks and risk areas 
• Early preparation for October 2026 and January 2027 changes 

Why you should download it 

This is a practical guide for employers. 

You’ll get: 

• Clear explanations without legal jargon  

• What you actually need to think about in your business  

• The risks of getting it wrong (and how to avoid them)  
• Actions you can take now to stay ahead of enforcement  

Who it’s for 

This guide is essential if you’re responsible for: 

• HR, people, or compliance  

• Managing staff or absence  

• Payroll or workforce planning  

• Running a business without in-house HR support  

If you employ people, these changes affect you. 

Get ahead of April 2026 

The earlier you understand the changes, the easier they are to manage. 

Want help getting your business ready? Call 0345 844 1111 and speak to our team.