Fair Work Agency (FWA) Begins Operations

The Fair Work Agency (FWA) is now officially operational. Formed through the merger of four enforcement bodies, the agency brings together more than 150 staff in England and Wales and is intended to act as a single point of contact for workers who believe their employment rights have not been upheld. With powers to inspect, investigate and penalise businesses across all sectors, the FWA aims to create a simpler, more consistent enforcement system across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The agency has already published initial guidance for employment agencies, employment businesses and other intermediaries.

Reporting and Support Measures

In the screen sector, organisations are encouraged to signpost the FWA’s reporting routes as part of promoting good working practices:

• Individuals experiencing serious abuse or exploitation at work, including control, threats or manipulation, are advised to contact the police if there is immediate risk of harm, and to report concerns to the FWA via online form, email or phone.
• Concerns relating to working time limits or the National Minimum Wage (currently enforced by HMRC on behalf of the FWA for at least the first year) should be reported using the relevant HMRC process.

All reports will be assessed using a “proportionate, risk-based (and digital-first) approach” designed to support compliant businesses while taking robust action against serious non-compliance. (Strategic steer to the Fair Work Agency for the transitional year of operation, 7 April 2026).

The FWA has been allocated an initial budget of £60.1 million to continue existing enforcement functions, reduce regulatory burdens, improve data collection, and strengthen public awareness and stakeholder engagement.

The agency will also take a proactive enforcement approach to prevent exploitation and ensure compliance with employment law, particularly in higher-risk sectors, and will investigate reports of modern slavery across all industries. No indication has yet been given as to whether the screen sector is classed as high-risk.

Future developments include a joint operating model with Acas and the introduction of holiday pay enforcement, expected in 2027.