Key Employment Law Changes For Temporary Workers From April 2026

From 1 April 2026, a series of important employment law reforms came into force, significantly impacting temporary workers and the businesses that engage them. These changes strengthen worker protections, increase compliance obligations for businesses, and signal a broader shift toward stricter enforcement.

Here’s a practical breakdown of what has changed and what businesses should have done / should be doing in response.

1. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): Now a Day-One Right

• SSP is now payable from day one of sickness absence (removing the previous 3-day waiting period); and
• The lower earnings limit is abolished, meaning more workers qualify.

What this means in practice:

Temporary workers can now access sick pay immediately, which may lead to increased short-term absences.