About this episode
The episode discusses significant changes to workers' rights under the new Employment Rights Act and their implications for employees and employers.
The Employment Rights Act has been called the most significant change to workers rights in a generation, so what does it mean for your money? The new law will introduce a raft of new rules for employees and employers over the next 18 months. From April 6th statutory sick pay has been enhanced and will be available from the first day of illness. Also, fathers will have a right to paternity leave on joining a workplace, rather than after six months' service. In January protection from unfair dismissal will become a right after six months of being in a job, instead of two years, and there will be a clamp down on zero hours jobs with workers given the right to request 'guaranteed hours'. Felicity Hannah is joined by John Palmer a senior adviser at the conciliation service ACAS and Kaajal Nathwani, an employment lawyer at Osborne & Wise. Felicity also speaks to the employment rights minister Kate Dearden. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: James Graham Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Henry Jones (First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 8th April 2026)
People in this episode
Host: Felicity Hannah
Guests: John Palmer, Kaajal Nathwani
Topics covered
- employment rights
- workers rights
- statutory sick pay
- paternity leave
- unfair dismissal
- zero hours jobs
Keywords
- Employment Rights Act
- workers rights
- statutory sick pay
- paternity leave
- unfair dismissal
- zero hours contracts
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: ACAS, Osborne & Wise
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