Important information for all churches who employ staff

Increases in statutory employment related payments

The annual increases in national minimum wage come into force from 1 April 2026. The new main NMW rate rises to £12.71 an hour. 

Weekly rates of statutory family friendly pay increase to £194.32 from Sunday 5 April.

For more detail, click here to see our helpful guide.
 
Employment law changes from April 2026
As of 6 April 2026, 3 new changes come into force for all employees. Churches will want to check their policies and practices as well as talking to their staff.

• Statutory sick pay – the waiting period and lower earnings limit are removed, so SSP is payable from the first day of absence.
• Statutory paternity leave and ordinary parental leave are now Day 1 employment rights
• Sexual harassment complaints will now be treated as protected disclosures under the whistleblowing legislation

More detail on all of these changes is available in our helpful guide you can download here.


Monday 16 March 2026.