From 7 April 2026 the Fair Work Agency (FWA) will combine the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and HMRC’s National Living and Minimum Wage in a single enforcement body to take on the enforcement of a wider range of employment rights. The FWA will bring together existing enforcement functions, including minimum wage and statutory sick pay enforcement; the employment tribunal penalty scheme; labour exploitation and modern slavery; employment agencies rules; and introduce the state enforcement of holiday pay for the first time. This page brings together resources to help you understand what the introduction of the FWA means for your organisation and how to stay compliant.

It has also been announced that from 6 April 2026, employers must keep records of annual leave and holiday pay for up to six years. CIPD members can use the infographic below to understand what's changing.

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Useful resources on areas the Fair Work Agency will oversee

Explore resources to on areas that will be under the remit of the Fair Work Agency.

Introduction to employment tribunals

This factsheet outlines key information on employment tribunals

Factsheet on employment tribunals

Overview of how the law is made in the UK

Understand how the law is made in the UK and how enforcement works

Employment law overview on how the law is made

Guidance on managing holidays, including holiday pay

Practical advice for people practitioners on managing annual leave

Guidance on managing annual leave

Information on the law relating to annual leave

Get information on the latest legal requirements when managing annual leave

Annual leave: Employment law

Disclaimer 

​Please note: While every care has been taken in compiling this content, CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. 

Employment Rights Act
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