07 Jan 2026
For many small business owners in Edinburgh and across Scotland, employee contracts are often pushed to the bottom of the “to-do” list—until a problem arises. However, with the Employment Rights Bill now law, “waiting for a problem” is no longer a viable strategy.
We are now in a critical preparation window. While the Act introduces 28 major reforms, the first significant wave of changes is set to take effect this April 2026. If you are looking for an HR consultant in Edinburgh to help navigate these complexities, now is the time to act.
Why “Standard” Contracts No Longer Work
Most business owners don’t think about contracts until there’s a dispute. But the new legal landscape means that outdated documentation is now a high-stakes liability. From April, “day-one” rights and changes to sick pay will fundamentally alter your statutory obligations.
Key Changes for April 2026:
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Overhaul: The three-day waiting period is gone. SSP becomes a day-one right, and the removal of the Lower Earnings Limit brings more workers into the scheme.
Expanded Day-One Rights: Paternity leave and unpaid parental leave are now available from the first day of employment.
New Bereavement Leave: A new statutory right to bereavement leave (including for pregnancy loss) comes into force.
Unfair Dismissal & The “Cap”: While the qualifying period is moving to six months, the removal of the compensation cap—confirmed in the Act—means the financial risk of a claim is rising significantly.
Why Partner with an HR Consultant?
Keeping contracts up to date isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about protecting your business. As a dedicated HR consultant in Edinburgh, Albany HR specialises in bridging the gap between new legislation and your day-to-day operations.
Our compliance audit checks that your documentation is clear, consistent, and legally sound for the 2026 shifts. We help you navigate the complexity so you can get back to running your business. And our Confident, Effective Line Manager programme ensures that your managers understand your policies and know how to engage and motivate your employees, letting you get on with running your business.
Don’t leave your compliance to chance. Get in touch for a chat on 0131 364 4186, or letstalk@albanyhr.com.
