People Pulse, from the experts at MHA HR Solutions
Joanna Rose · Posted on: April 16th 2026 · read
Employment law hasn’t exactly been sitting still.
Over the past few years, employers have had to keep pace with a steady stream of reforms - from increased focus on employee rights and workplace protections to more robust expectations around fairness, transparency, and compliance. If it feels like the goalposts keep moving, that’s because… they do.
And 2026 is no exception.
With the Employment Rights Act 2025 coming into force, a new set of changes is about to land from April 2026, many of which will have a direct and immediate impact on how you manage your workforce. From day-one rights to expanded protections and shorter qualifying periods, the direction of travel is clear: greater rights for employees, and greater responsibility for employers.
In this edition, we cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters: what’s changed, what’s coming next, and what you need to do about it.
Articles from this edition
Employment Rights Act 2025 - Clause and Effect
Your annual survival guide to April’s legal plot twists.
Clause and Effect: Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy & Family Leave Act)
The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023 modified the existing Employment Rights Act 1996.
Clause and Effect: Carer’s Leave Regulations
The Carer’s Leave Regulations have been in force since 6 April 2024.
Clause and Effect: Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations
Since 6 April 2024, updates to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protections of Employment) Regulations have simplified consultation requirements for certain businesses.
April 2025: Neonatal Care Leave (NCL) and Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SNCP)
From the 6th of April 2025 there was a new day one right for families with babies in neonatal care.
April 2026: Key Changes Coming into Force
The Employment Rights Act 2025 brings a wave of important changes to UK employment law, with the next phase taking effect from April 2026.
Don’t wait for the legislation to change, take action now
January 2027 and the changes in unfair dismissal protection due to kick in may feel like it’s a distant problem.If you would like further information on the topics covered, please get in touch.
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