Overview
- Statutory sick pay, which becomes a day‑one right on April 6, will also cover low‑paid and part‑time staff as the earnings threshold is scrapped.
- The way sick pay is calculated will shift to a percentage of average weekly earnings up to the statutory cap, replacing a single flat weekly rate.
- New parents gain day‑one rights to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave from April 6, with a new bereaved partner’s leave of up to 52 weeks after the death of a mother or primary adopter.
- Enforcement will tighten as tribunals can award up to 180 days’ pay for failed collective redundancy consultation from April 6 and the Fair Work Agency launches April 7 with powers to inspect and fine employers.
- Minimum wage rates rise on April 1, with the National Living Wage for ages 21 and over set at £12.71, 18–20 at £10.85, and 16–17 and apprentices at £8.00 per hour.