IGA pledges new employment law support for garages

13 January 2026  

The Independent Garage Association has pledged to support workshops as they gear up for provisions under new employment rights legislation.

While the Employment Rights Act 2025 has already come into force, the IGA said the most significant provisions affecting its members will be phased in from April.

The legislation brings in new rules covering sick pay, harassment prevention and unfair dismissal rights.

The law introduces a number of measures, including day-one access to statutory sick pay. It also removes the lower-earnings limit and waiting period, a strengthened employer duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment including by customers and the proposed change to the two-year unfair dismissal qualifying period — which has not only been pushed back to January 2027, but also reduced to a six-month qualifying period rather than being abolished entirely.

Jonathan Douglass, director of the IGA, said: “These are significant changes, but independent garages have time to prepare. Our members need clarity and effective tools. We will continue to urge government to provide fair notice and ensure that consultation processes reflect the needs of our sector.

“Our priority is to ensure that independent garages are fully supported through this transition. The IGA will provide the insight and guidance our members rely on, enabling them to adapt confidently while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and affordable services to motorists.”