An Update on the April 2026 Employment Changes – with regards to working in the Home

Thursday, March 26th, 2026

At Harris Recruitment, we know that the work you do is deeply personal.

For many of you, your workplace is someone’s home. You may be the only member of staff there—building trust, offering support, and often becoming an important part of someone’s daily life. Whether you are employing someone or working in a home, that relationship matters, and it deserves to feel safe, fair, and well supported.

With new employment law changes coming into effect this April, we wanted to share a clear and gentle update on what’s changing—and what it might mean for you.

What’s Changing from April 2026

These updates are part of a wider plan to make working life fairer and more supportive. April brings some important first steps, with further changes to follow over the next year or so.

Stronger Rights from Your First Day (in Some Areas)
From April, certain family-related rights now begin from day one of employment, including paternity leave and unpaid parental leave.

• For those working in private homes, this offers reassurance that some important protections are there from the very beginning.
• For those employing staff, it’s a reminder of how important it is to have clear, simple agreements in place from day one.

Statutory Sick Pay from Day One
One of the most meaningful changes—especially in home-based roles—is to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

• SSP is now payable from the first day of illness (instead of after three waiting days)
• The minimum earnings threshold has been removed, meaning more people are eligible
• For staff, this provides greater financial security if you become unwell.
• For employers, it helps ensure that those supporting you don’t feel pressure to work when they shouldn’t.

A Continued Move Toward Flexible Working
While not all changes happen immediately in April, there is a clear shift toward more flexible working being the norm.

• For staff, this means you should feel more comfortable having open conversations about your needs.
• For employers, it’s about listening and working together to find arrangements that respect both care needs and personal wellbeing.

In home-based roles, we understand flexibility can be more complex—but open, honest communication remains key.

Greater Protection and Support Where It’s Needed
There are also stronger protections being introduced for workers who speak up about concerns, including around inappropriate behaviour.

Alongside this, a new body—the Fair Work Agency—is being introduced to help ensure that workplace rights are properly upheld.

• For those working alone in a home, this is an important step in making sure you feel protected and heard.
• For those employing staff, it offers clear guidance and support in getting things right.

Clearer Expectations and Fairer Working Relationships
While not all changes come into force this month, the overall direction is toward clearer communication around pay, responsibilities, and expectations.

In roles based in the home—where there is often no wider team—this clarity is especially important. It helps prevent misunderstandings and supports a respectful, balanced relationship on both sides.

Why This Matters in Home-Based Work

When one person is working in another’s home, the usual workplace structures aren’t there. There’s no HR department—just people relying on each other.

That’s why these changes matter.

They are there to support:

• Clearer conversations
• Fairer expectations
• Safer, more respectful working environments

Not to complicate things—but to help relationships work well for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead

It’s important to know that April 2026 is just the beginning. Further changes are expected later this year and into 2027, continuing this shift toward stronger protections and more balanced working relationships.

We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

How We’re Here to Support You

We understand that working in, or managing, a home-based role can sometimes feel isolating.

As a small, dedicated team, we’re here to offer personal support—not just at the start, but throughout your journey.

• If you’re employing someone, we can help you feel confident that everything is set up clearly and fairly.
• If you’re working in a home, we’re here to listen, answer questions, or simply talk things through if something doesn’t feel quite right.

A Final Thought

The heart of this work is trust, kindness, and respect.

These changes are there to support that—not to take away from the personal nature of what you do.

If you’d like to talk about how this affects you, or just want some reassurance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here, and we genuinely care about getting this right for you.

Supporting you every step of the way

Best Wishes

Julia Harris

Harris Recruitment

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