Changes to Paternity Leave as of 8th March 2024
This amendments is applicable to babies born on or after the 6th April 2024. Eligible employees will be able to split their 2 week paternity leave into 2 separate week long breaks within the 52 weeks following the birth or placement for adoption.
National Minimum Wage Rates as of 1st April 2024
The new 2024 rates are as follows:
- Workers aged 21 and over: £11.44 an hour (National Living Wage).
- Workers aged 18 – 20: £8.60 an hour.
- Under 18: £6.40 an hour.
- Apprentice rate: £6.40 an hour.
Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Shared Parental, Bereavement and Sick Pay Rises as of 7th April 2024
Statutory maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental, and parental bereavement pay rises from £172.48 to £184.03 a week.
Statutory sick pay rises from £109.40 to £116.75 per week.
Carers’ Leave from 6th April 2024
Carers can now take up to 1 week of unpaid leave in order to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long term need. The leave is available during any 12 month period and can be taken in one block or full/half days.
Right to Request Flexible Working from day 1 as of 6th April 2024
Employment Relations Act 2003 has made the right to request flexible working from day 1 a right for employees. Previously an employee had to complete 26 weeks service before they could make a request. All requests made must be dealt with within a 2 month period and the employee must be consulted before rejecting a request.
Protection from Redundancy for New and Expectant Parents as of 6th April 2024.
Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023 has been introduced to include, where there is a prospect of redundancy for pregnant women and those on maternity, adoption or shared parental leave, employees are entitled to be offered suitable alternative employment where a vacancy exists. This protection will start from when an expectant mother, or those adopting a child or taking shared parental leave, notifies their employer of their pregnancy, match for adoption or intention to take shared parental leave and is now extended until 18 months after the birth of the child.
Holiday Pay for Workers Without Fixed Hours as of 1st April 2024
For irregular hours and part-year workers, holiday pay may now be calculated at the rate of 12.07% of actual hours worked during the pay period (with holiday pay being issued at the time leave is taken), or using ‘rolled-up holiday pay’ (RHP) as an additional 12.07% payment per actual hours worked (and no subsequent pay when leave is taken).
