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ARTICLE · 11 NOVEMBER 2026

Budget 2026: Key Points For Employers

Littler Mendelson
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The UK Chancellor's Autumn Budget 2026 introduces significant employment law changes affecting employers nationwide, from wage adjustments and share incentive modifications to planned reforms of non-compete agreements and parental leave entitlements. While some measures take effect in 2027, others remain subject to consultation and await comprehensive implementation details.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Emily Bodger
Emily Bodger
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The Chancellor delivered the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026 announcing a range of measures which will be of interest to employers, from wage increases and employee share incentives to future reform of non-competes and parental leave. Some measures are due to take effect in 2027, whilst others await consultation or further detail.

Non-Competes

The Government reiterated its commitment to legislate on non-competes, with proposed reforms applying “across the whole economy”. Consultation on the wider use of restrictive practices is expected shortly, and the Government has indicated it will set out a detailed position on these issues in early 2027 ahead of legislation. See our previous article.

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