Get April Ready: What you need to know about the Employment Rights Act

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, Neil Carberry is joined by Paul Chamberlain (JMW Solicitors), David Johnson (PayStream) and Lewis Gosling (Liquid Friday) to discuss what the Employment Rights Act means for recruitment businesses right now and how agencies can prepare for the changes coming into force from April 2026. The conversation focuses on the immediate operational challenges around day-one Statutory Sick Pay, supply-chain accountability and the creation of the Fair Work Agency, as well as the wider shift toward greater transparency and compliance across the temporary labour market. While the panel highlights the risks and uncertainty that remain as details of the legislation continue to emerge, they also emphasise the opportunity for recruitment businesses to strengthen client relationships, demonstrate expertise and differentiate themselves through compliant and transparent supply chains. The panel explores: • Why the Employment Rights Act will be implemented in stages and why many details are still being shaped through consultation • The practical implications of day-one Statutory Sick Pay for recruitment businesses and labour supply chains • How agencies should prepare operationally for increased eligibility and potential cost impacts • Why supply-chain accountability is becoming a central theme of labour market regulation • The role of the new Fair Work Agency in enforcing labour market standards • Why stronger compliance and transparency could become a commercial advantage for recruiters Despite a challenging regulatory landscape, the discussion concludes that recruitment businesses that invest in compliance, transparency and stronger client partnerships will be well positioned to adapt and succeed. Guests: • Paul Chamberlain, Partner, JMW Solicitors • David Johnson, Head of Legal, PayStream • Lewis Gosling, Head of Tech Ops, Liquid Friday