Inspired HR Roundup - ERA Updates, Downing Street Visit & A New Office!
Key Changes Now In Effect...
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduced some of its most substantial reforms on Monday 6th April. These changes affect workplaces across the UK.
The reforms include:
Changes to Family Leave
From 6th April, statutory family-related pay rates have increased. Statutory Maternity Pay, Adoption Pay and Shared Parental Pay has risen to £194.32 per week, up from £187.18. Maternity Allowance has also increased to £194.32 per week or 90 percent of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
The minimum average weekly earnings threshold required to qualify for statutory family-related payments has increased to £129.
There are also changes to paternity leave. Paternity leave itself has become a Day 1 right, meaning employees will no longer need 26 weeks’ service to take leave. However, the 26-week qualifying period will still apply for statutory paternity pay. A new right has also been introduced allowing bereaved partners to take up to 52 weeks of unpaid paternity leave in one continuous block.
Changes to Statutory Sick Pay
SSP has also increased. From 6th April, the weekly rate has risen from £118.75 to £123.25. In addition, SSP is now payable from day one of sickness absence following the removal of the three unpaid waiting days under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
If you're unsure what these mean for your business then check out this recording from last month's employment law webinar delivered alongside Kat Moody from Richard Reed Solicitors. It's hugely informative and covers all of April's updates as well as what else is coming up in the next 18 months.
A Proud Moment…
Nikki headed to London last month to attend a reception hosted by Rt Hon Rachel Reeves at Downing Street.
We’re incredibly proud to see her alongside so many inspiring female founders, championing the North East and everything it has to offer. From talent and resilience to ambition and community, the region has so much to be proud of and it was fantastic to see that recognised at such a high level.
A brilliant moment and one we’re very proud to be part of!
We’re Moving Up In The World…
Inspired HR has a new home!
We're still based at the brilliant Blyth Workspace but we're now upstairs in an office that Nikki has had her eye on for a couple of years. It's a larger space so we can have more of our team on-site plus it has a breakout meeting space which is perfect for client visits.
If you're in the area please do pop in and say hello!