RIBA Guides Architecture Practices Through New Employment Rights

The Royal Institute of British Architects has published a detailed guide for architecture practices navigating the UK government's Make Work Pay employment rights reforms, which took effect from 6 April 2026. The guide, published this week, covers what the changes mean for architects working across practices of all sizes.

The reforms introduce several significant changes affecting the profession. From 6 April 2026, employees are entitled to paternity and unpaid parental leave from their first day of employment, and the lower earnings limit for Statutory Sick Pay has been removed. The guide explains these 'day-one' entitlements clearly for practices with staff at various career stages.

The briefing also covers changes expected later in 2026, including the legal requirement for employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, and the introduction of menopause guidance and voluntary action plans. Looking further ahead, the RIBA notes that gender equality action plans will transition from voluntary guidance to mandatory requirements by 2027.

The guide forms part of the institute's ongoing public affairs engagement, which tracks developments in UK Parliament and ensures the architecture profession has access to practical support when legislation changes. The 2026 reforms represent one of the most significant updates to UK employment law in years and affect all practices with salaried staff, regardless of size.