HR Connect updates - 23 January 2026
23 January 2026
The latest updates from HR Connect include significant changes to Statutory Sick Pay legislation, ACAS early conciliation and navigating difficult conversations training.
News: The most significant change to the Statutory Sick Pay legislation since the introduction in 1983
From Monday 6 April 2026, the most significant change to the Statutory Sick Pay legislation since the introduction in 1983, will come into effect.
The changes are:
- Entitlement to SSP from day one of the absence, however the employee must still be absent for four calendar days before SSP is considered. SSP will be paid from the first qualifying day within the absence.
- There is no minimum earnings level for eligibility to be established.
- Payment will be at either the standard rate of SSP (£123.25 - 2026/27) or, 80% of the employee’s average weekly earnings.
Read more on the HR Connect website
News: ACAS early conciliation - what schools and academies need to know
From 1 December 2025, the ACAS early conciliation period, which is a mandatory step before most employment tribunal claims, has doubled from six to twelve weeks. This change is significant for employers, as it affects how employment disputes are managed and resolved.
Read more on the HR Connect website
Training: Spaces filling quickly - navigating difficult conversations and workplace investigations in-person course
Spaces are filling quickly for the HR Connect in person one day training course – choose from Tuesday 24 February or Thursday 26 February - which equips school leaders and managers with the skills and frameworks to approach these situations professionally and lawfully. Through two interactive, face to face modules, you will learn how to:
- Module 1 - navigating difficult conversations - gain practical strategies to address performance, conduct and wellbeing concerns with confidence, empathy and consistency.
- Module 2 - Fact-finding and workplace investigations - learn the legal and procedural requirements for planning and conducting investigations; gathering evidence, interviewing fairly and robustly; and producing clear defensible reports; all within a structured approach to all employee relations decisions.
The course is delivered in person at: KCS Education, Papyrus Way, New Hythe, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7FE (on site parking available) and lunch and refreshments are also included.
Please find more information and course agenda:
Book for Tuesday 24 February - only 23 spaces left.
Book for Thursday 26 February - only 11 spaces left.