Quarterly Update for Apprentices & Employers
Our Spring 2026 quarterly newsletters are now live – tailored guidance for both apprentices and employers:
- Knights Training Academy
Employer support, guidance 'Significant Employment Law Changes
Effective from April 6th, 2024, significant changes to employment law are underway. These changes, stemming from recent legislation primarily in the form of Private Members’ Bills, supported by the Government and associated secondary legislation, impact England, Scotland, and Wales, excluding Northern Ireland due to devolved employment laws.
Flexible Working:
Employees now have the right to make two requests per year for flexible working, with employers required to respond within two months.
Denial of requests requires explanation from employers, with no need for employees to justify their requests.
The reasons for denial remain consistent, including factors such as business costs or impact on performance.
These changes were enacted through the Employment Rights (Flexible Working) Act 2023, allowing requests from the first day of employment.
Carer’s Leave:
Employees can take one week of unpaid leave annually for caring responsibilities without a qualifying period.
This entitlement, established by the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, applies to caring for dependents due to disability, old age, or illness.
Protection against Redundancy for Pregnant Employees:
Employees on certain parental leaves now have protection from redundancy for 18 months.
Protections start upon notification of pregnancy and extend after childbirth or adoption.
These provisions were introduced by the Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023.
Paternity Leave Flexibility:
Statutory paternity leave can now be split into two one-week blocks within the first year after childbirth.
Notice requirements for each week of leave have been reduced to 28 days.
This change offers more flexibility to employees taking paternity leave.
These legislative adjustments aim to enhance employee rights and adapt to evolving work-life dynamics.
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Apprenticeship Changes 2026: What Employers Need to Know
The Government has announced major apprenticeship reforms, backed by £900m investment over the next three years.
The direction is clear. More focus on 16–24-year-olds, key skills gaps, and making apprenticeships easier for employers to use.
Commitment, Confidence, and a Distinction Achievement
At Knights Training Academy, we are proud to support learners at the start of their career in the property sector, helping them build confidence, capability and a clear pathway for progression.
Get ahead in the agent qualification journey
Mandatory qualifications for property agents are firmly back on the agenda. Revived by the RoPA report and reinforced through ongoing Government consultation, the direction of travel is clear. The sector is moving towards higher standards, greater accountability and formal recognition of competence.
Confidence, Capability, and Career Progression Through Apprenticeship
At Knights Training Academy, we are proud to support learners working across housing and property management to develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to progress in their careers.
This month, we are pleased to share the success story of Tanya Kirk, who successfully completed her Housing & Property Management Level 3 Apprenticeship while working full time in a demanding property role.
Quarterly Update for Apprentices & Employers
This newsletter has been created to support both apprentices and employers by
sharing practical guidance, celebrating success, and showing how feedback directly
shapes the way we deliver training. It brings together learner voice, employer insight,
and governance oversight to provide a clear picture of what is working well and where
improvements have been made.