Last updated: June 2026 Current
National Living Wage Rises to £12.71 per Hour
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over increased to £12.71 per hour. The National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds also rose to £10.85 per hour, and for under 18s and apprentices to £8.00 per hour. Employers must update payroll immediately. Workers who have not received the increase should raise a formal complaint.
💡 What this means for you: Check your payslip. If you are not receiving the correct rate, use our Minimum Wage Checker or generate an Underpayment Complaint Letter.
Employment Rights Bill — Key Changes Now in Force
Several provisions of the Employment Rights Bill came into force this year, representing the biggest shift in UK employment law in a generation. Key changes include: day-one unfair dismissal rights (removing the two-year qualifying period for most claims), stronger protections for zero-hours workers including a right to request guaranteed hours after 26 weeks (in force from 2027), and enhanced rights for agency workers. The bill also strengthens collective redundancy consultation requirements.
💡 What this means for you: Until January 2027, a 6-month qualifying period applies for unfair dismissal — down from 2 years. Day-one protection was not included in the final Act. Use our Employee Rights Checker to understand your position.
Statutory Sick Pay Increases to £123.25 per Week
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) increased to £123.25 per week from April 2026. Separately, the Employment Rights Bill removed the three waiting days for SSP — meaning eligible workers are now entitled to SSP from the first day of sickness, not the fourth. This is a significant change for short-term illness.
💡 What this means for you: If your employer is still applying a three-day wait, challenge this. Use our Employee Rights Checker for guidance.
Flexible Working — Default Right Now Applies
Following changes introduced by the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act, employees now have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment, and can make two requests per year (up from one). Employers must respond within two months and can only refuse on specified business grounds. Refusals must be in writing with reasons.
💡 What this means for you: You can request flexible working immediately when you start a new job. Use our Flexible Working Request Letter to do this formally.
Carer's Leave — Enhanced Entitlement Planned
The government has signalled plans to extend statutory Carer's Leave beyond the current one week per year entitlement. No date has been confirmed but the expansion is expected to be part of further Employment Rights Bill provisions. Workers with caring responsibilities should begin documenting their situation now in case eligibility criteria apply.
💡 What this means for you: If you are a carer, you already have the right to one week of unpaid leave per year. Use our Carers Leave Request Letter.
This page is updated regularly as UK employment law changes. Last reviewed June 2026.
For urgent advice contact ACAS on 0300 123 1100 or Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.
For urgent advice contact ACAS on 0300 123 1100 or Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.