Overview
The Fair Work Agency (FWA) is a new single, recognisable body that was established on 7 April 2026. One of the Government's aims in enacting the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025) was to create a body that is responsible for:
- Setting and enforcing minimum workplace standards
- Promoting compliance of employment law, and
- Investigating suspected breaches of employment law.
The creation of the FWA will make certain regulatory bodies redundant, including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, and the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate. The functions and enforcement responsibilities of these bodies have already been transferred to the FWA. It will gradually take on additional responsibilities, including enforcement of the national minimum wage, holiday pay and statutory sick pay (SSP).
