New employment rights coming to the UK in 2026

Significant changes to the UK’s labor market are set to take effect following the implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025. This landmark legislation introduces a suite of new protections designed to modernize the workplace, impact payroll management, and redefine the relationship between employers and staff.

For the extensive network of Turkish-owned businesses and employees across London—particularly in high-employment hubs like Enfield, Haringey, and Hackney—understanding these shifts is essential for both legal compliance and personal career planning.

Day-one rights and the end of zero-hours uncertainty

The Act introduces several core changes that aim to provide greater security for the workforce:

• Day-one protections: Employees will now gain protection against unfair dismissal from their first day on the job, a major shift from the previous two-year qualifying period.

• Ending exploitative zero-hours contracts: Workers on zero-hours contracts will now have the right to a contract that reflects their regular hours if they work a consistent pattern over a set period.

• Flexible working: The default position for all jobs will now be flexible working from day one, unless an employer can prove it is not feasible for the role.

Impact on London’s Turkish business community

The Turkish community, which operates thousands of businesses in sectors ranging from hospitality in Islington to retail in Barnet and Waltham Forest, must now adapt to more stringent administrative requirements.

"These changes mean that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in our community need to review their employment contracts and HR policies immediately," advises a local legal expert. "While these rights empower workers, they require business owners in Newham and Camden to be more diligent with documentation."

Statutory sick pay and parental leave

The legislation also removes the "Lower Earnings Limit" for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), ensuring that even the lowest-paid workers in boroughs like Southwark and Tower Hamlets are eligible for support when ill. Additionally, statutory bereavement leave and enhanced protections for pregnant women and new parents are now standard.

As the 2026 business year progresses, staying ahead of these regulatory updates will be key to maintaining a productive and legally sound workplace.