‘Biggest impact’ as work rules change from April 6, including sickpay

Rules are also changing on unfair dismissal, paternity leave and flexible working

New rights on sick pay will have the biggest impact on workers and employers, new research suggests. A study commissioned by the conciliation service Acas on changes in the Employment Rights Act found that new protections on unfair dismissals were also named as having a big impact.

Employers ranked new paternity leave rights as their third biggest while workers opted for the new changes on flexible working. Acas said the findings will help it target support for workers and bosses where they need it the most.

Niall Mackenzie, Acas chief executive, said: “The Employment Rights Act is a major shake-up in employment law and will impact businesses and workers across the country. It’s crucial that both employers and employees get to grips with the new rules, and Acas remains best placed as independent experts helping everyone at work throughout this period of change.

“Acas will be working with employers, workers and their representatives on the implementation of the Employment Rights Act and we will be updating our advice and training.”

The survey found that 43% of employers said workers receiving sick pay for the first day of illness rather than the fourth day would have the biggest impact on them and 36% of workers also listed it as their biggest impact. Workers being protected from unfair dismissal after six months in a job instead of two years was the second most commonly chosen reform, with 31% of employers and 30% of employees selecting this.

Changes come into force on April 6.