We’re sharing the latest government announcements and resources relevant to our sector.

Announcements

Shop second-hand with confidence - GOV.UK
New government guidance to help avoid fake fashion.

Millions to benefit from lower travel and food costs - GOV.UK
The Government has published a list of 125 everyday essentials - including fruit, oils and core pantry staples - targeted for tariff reductions, alongside uprating mileage rates to support working people with the cost of living.

£340 million pharmacy boost brings faster care to the high street - GOV.UK
Patients will benefit from more services and treatments from their community pharmacy, as part of a new deal.

Age checks to stop children using sunbeds under new laws - GOV.UK
Government to introduce age verifications for sunbeds to protect young people from harm.

DBT

The Employment Rights Act 2025 became law in December and the Department for Business and Trade has prepared a range of resources to support businesses with its implementation.

Resources available:

Visit the DBT employer readiness website with advice and guidance on the changes, click ‘Sign up for updates’.
Visit the Acas webpage, and access their resources (webinars, newsletter, masterclasses)
Have your say: participate in live consultations here
Register for the Department for Business and Trade's Business Academy webinars.
Watch a short Video about a business talking about Statutory Sick Pay changes
Two useful links on Statutory Sick Pay: How to calculate Statutory Sick Pay and How different Employment types affect Statutory Sick Pay

Background:

The Employment Rights Act modernises employment rights legislation in the UK, extending the employment protections already given by the best British companies to millions more workers across the country. 

Some reforms have already taken effect. In April rights to Statutory Sick Pay were strengthened, day one rights to Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave were introduced, and the Fair Work Agency was launched. Further measures will come into force over the next two years, including trade union reforms, increased protections from sexual harassment, and unfair dismissal changes.

Unfair Dismissal measures will enter into force on 1 January 2027, reducing the qualifying period for protection against ‘ordinary’ unfair dismissal from two years to six months and removing the cap on compensatory awards. Employer readiness in 2026 is crucial: businesses are encouraged to review their contractual probation, performance management policies, and manager training in the coming months.

DWP

Young people and work: interim report - GOV.UK
The young people and work report is an independent review of the increase in the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Employment lifeline for young people across the country as Government offers 300,000 new work experience and training placements - GOV.UK
Young people across the country will be helped onto the career ladder thanks to the creation of 300,000 new work experience and training placements in sectors including construction, health and social care and hospitality. 

Trade

UK-EU SPS Agreement - Information for Businesses - GOV.UK
Businesses urged to take simple steps for smoother trade with the EU

SPS agreement: preparing your business - GOV.UK