Employers must keep annual leave and pay records from 6 April
New employment law update has come into force as of 6 April 2026.
One key change under the Employment Rights Act 2025 is a new requirement for employers to keep detailed records of employees’ annual leave and pay.
Here’s what you need to know:
• Employers must keep accurate and complete annual leave records
• Records can be stored in any format (digital or paper)
• They must be retained for at least 6 years
While many organisations already track leave, this change means it’s time to review your processes to ensure they’re robust and compliant.
What’s interesting is that this update hasn’t been widely publicised, so some employers may not yet be aware of the requirement.
With the Fair Work Agency expected to oversee compliance, now is a good time to get ahead—review your systems, tighten your record-keeping, and reduce the risk of future enforcement action.
More updates to follow as further guidance is released.

