The Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA) represents a significant change to UK employment law. The number of changes and when they are happening can be overwhelming and many employers are asking: ‘How do I prepare for the ERA changes; what do we need to do and when?’
Here we set out the headline changes happening in April 2026 and how you can prepare.
Statutory Sick Pay
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will become a day one right for employees, and the Lower Earnings Limit will be removed. SSP will increase to 80% of normal pay or the SSP flat rate, whichever is lower.
Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave
Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave will become a day one right for employees. Statutory Paternity Pay will continue to require 26 weeks’ service.
New and extended Bereavement Leave
Bereavement Leave will become a day one right, including for early pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Eligible employees may also receive Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay if service and earnings criteria are met.
Holiday Pay and leave record-keeping
All UK employers will be legally required to retain holiday pay and annual leave records for a minimum of six years.
What you need to do to prepare for the changes
- Review and update the relevant internal policies to reflect the changes.
- Update template contracts of employment.
- Ensure absence-recording and payroll systems will be able to process the change.
- Implement training to ensure managers and employees are aware of the changes and understand how to navigate the new obligations.
Rowberry Morris Solicitors can undertake a review of policies and contracts on a fixed fee basis.
If you need employment advice, please contact Anna, Katherine or Ruth in the Employment Team on employment@rowberrymorris.co.uk or by telephone on 0118 951 6625. www.rowberrymorris.co.uk