Welcome to the Spring Edition of Jade Recruitment’s Newsletter for 2026!

Includes key highlights from coming changes to hiring and government policy.

Top News! 
Overhaul of the Employment Rights Act 2026: what this means for you, and when you need to be ready.

🍼 Paternity Leave

From April 2026, paternity leave will become a day-one right.

🌼 Unfair dismissal & probation

Reducing from 2 years to 6 months as of January 2027, so workers are protected earlier.

❌ Minimum Notice for shift cancellation

Take note that if shifts are cancelled without sufficient notice, likely within 7 days, workers must be compensated from 2027.

🤧 Statutory Sick Pay

New guidelines for April 2026 will remove the lower earning limit for SSP, making it eligible to be claimed from the first day of employment.

💰 Plans to equalise minimum wage delayed

After warnings of growing youth unemployment, ministers will debate equalising the minimum wage for under-21s.

📈 The State Pension will increase from 66 to 67 years of age
Confirmed for 6th April 2026. Use the State Pension Calculator to determine when your employees are eligible and update their National Insurance category letter accordingly.

🌧️ Liability for harassment from third parties
Employers will be held liable if employees are harassed by third parties, including clients and contractors, by October 2026.