UK Autumn Budget 2026: key points for employers, including non-compete reform and self-employed parental pay
Key points
- The Government reiterated its commitment to legislate on non-competes, with a detailed position due in early 2027
- From April 2029, parental pay is expected to extend to eligible self-employed fathers, partners and adopters in Great Britain
- Some measures take effect in 2027; others await consultation or further detail
The UK Chancellor delivered the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026, covering wage increases, employee share incentives, and future reform of non-competes and parental leave. The Government reiterated its commitment to legislate on non-competes; the proposed reform would apply across the whole economy. A consultation on restrictive covenants is expected to start soon, with a detailed position due before legislation in early 2027. From April 2029, parental pay is expected to be extended to eligible self-employed fathers, partners and adopters in Great Britain. Some measures take effect in 2027; others await consultation or further detail.
What employers should do
- Follow the non-compete consultation and the early 2027 detailed position, and review existing restrictive covenants
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- UK
- Status
- Proposed rule
- Effective date
- —
- Employers covered
- UK employers
- Official source
- Official source pending
Original report: Littler Mendelson P.C. ↗Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.