A wave of fresh legislation is set to take effect in 2026, impacting areas such as waste disposal, travel, and employment rules. Households will see changes in waste management, including new recycling guidelines. Additionally, regulations targeting unethical landlords and employers will have implications nationwide.
One significant change coming in May is the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill by the government. This law aims to provide more protection for tenants, including the removal of no-fault evictions. Landlords in the private rental sector will now require valid reasons to evict tenants, addressing a long-standing issue.
In April, there will be an increase in the minimum wage rates, with the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and above rising by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour. Other age brackets will also see adjustments in their minimum wage rates, ensuring improved pay for low-income workers.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, another change scheduled for May 1 is the elimination of fixed-term contracts for tenancies in the private rental sector. Tenants will have more flexibility as all agreements will roll over monthly or weekly without a predefined end date, allowing for easier termination with a two-month notice.
From March 31 onwards, households will need to adhere to ‘Simpler Recycling’ regulations, requiring the separation of food and garden waste, paper and card, dry recyclable materials, and non-recyclable waste into four distinct bins. This initiative aims to enhance recycling efforts and reduce environmental impact.
In the realm of employment rights, several changes are set to take place. Starting in April, paternity leave will become an immediate entitlement for employees, as will ordinary parental leave. Additionally, statutory sick pay will be paid from the first day of illness, and the lower earnings limit for eligibility will be eliminated under the Employment Rights Act.
Furthermore, laws will be introduced to prevent the resale of event tickets above face value, with restrictions on the number of tickets that can be resold. The aviation sector will also witness changes, requiring individuals operating drones or model aircraft over 100g to undergo a theory test to obtain a Flyer ID from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Travelers to Europe in 2026 will be subject to the Entry Exit System, involving registration at EU borders for non-EU citizens. A new fee through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to be introduced by the end of the year. Additionally, measures such as a ban on junk food advertising and the prohibition of ‘fire and rehire’ practices will be enforced to protect consumer rights and labor standards.