A poll found 56% of employers felt prepared for four new Employment Rights Act regulations introduced in April, while 22% were unprepared and 22% were unsure.
The changes extend unpaid parental leave and paternity leave from day one of employment, benefit around 1.5 million parents, and abolish statutory sick pay waiting periods and lower earnings limits.
Bereaved partners now receive up to 52 weeks of leave. Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the reforms’ aim to support working families and strengthen the economy by improving workers’ rights and security.
As UK rights expand, how far do they still lag behind more generous European parental leave models?
With businesses facing £450M in new sick pay costs, could these worker-friendly reforms unintentionally stifle hiring?
Do 'day one' leave rights without 'day one' pay truly support the most vulnerable new parents?
How will the new Fair Work Agency balance protecting worker rights with the survival of small businesses?
Will abolishing the 3-day sick pay wait time actually improve public health by keeping sick employees home?
With 84% of staff prioritizing wellbeing, are these reforms enough to combat the UK's burnout crisis?