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Four BIG employment law changes effective April 2024 

Here is a list of employment law updates that you need to be aware of: 

1. Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023
Extended protection for pregnant employees and the introduction of one week of unpaid leave for carers. Employers may need to update policies and train staff accordingly. 

2. The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 

This Act ensures carers will qualify for one week of unpaid leave per year, available from day one of employment. Employers should update policies and consider how to handle these requests fairly. 

3. Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 

Employees gain the right to request flexible working from day one, with an increased limit of two requests per year. Employers should update policies, train managers and promote a supportive, flexible working culture. 

4. The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024
Employees will be able to take statutory paternity leave at any point in the first year (previously it was only allowed during the first 8 weeks) and will be able to split it up into two separate blocks of one week. You will need to update your policies and procedures and communicate through the business accordingly. 

Other changes include: 

• Calculating holiday pay and leave 
• National minimum wage rises 
• Changes to statutory maternity pay and sick pay rates 
• Changes to the age criteria for being auto-enrolled in a pension scheme 

Our latest guide covers everything you need to know about these changes. 

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