TUC hails landmark day as 9.6 million set to benefit from stronger sick pay from today

• Stronger sick pay and parental leave from today as first tranche of Employment Rights Act rights come into force
• 1.2 million workers  - the majority low-paid women – are set to get access to statutory sick pay for the first time
• 8.4 million set to benefit from sick pay paid from the first day of illness
• Tens of thousands will get access to day one paternity leave

Up to 9.6 million workers are set to benefit from stronger statutory sick pay from today (Monday), according to new analysis published by the TUC.

From today, 1.2 million workers will be entitled to statutory sick pay for the first time after statutory sick pay is made available to all.  

Previously, workers who earned below threshold of £125 a week known as the “lower earnings limit” weren’t eligible for statutory sick pay.

This change is set to disproportionately benefit low-paid women, who are significantly more likely than men to be earning under the threshold of £125 per week. It will also disproportionately benefit disabled workers and young and old workers.

The analysis also reveals that around 8.4 million workers who are reliant on Statutory Sick Pay will get sick pay from the first day of illness from April - instead of having to wait four days.

TUC polling shows this is hugely popular. More than three-quarters (76%) of the public support workers having sick pay from day one.

Among 2024 Labour voters who have switched to Reform, support increases to 82%. And among 2024 Labour voters who have switched to the Greens support increases to 89%

Boost for workers and economy

The TUC says for too long low paid workers – especially women – have missed out on any form of sick pay.

Even those eligible for statutory had to wait until four days before being able to access it.

This has meant workers have been left with no choice but to go into work when they are ill, with the risk of spreading and prolonging their illness, or facing a financial hit.

Independent analysis undertaken for the TUC has shown that as a result the benefits of day one sick pay for the economy will be worth five times the costs.      

Parental leave

As well as stronger sick pay, dads and partners will – from today - have a day one right to paternity leave and all parents will gain the day one right to unpaid parental leave.

The TUC says this is an important first step but says much more needs to be done to ensure families have access to adequate support.

The union body is calling for the government to ensure the parental leave review delivers increased access to paid parental leave so that mums and dads can better share care.

Years of campaigning

The TUC says this first tranche of rights being delivered through the Employment Rights Act represents a “landmark day” for workers.

This comes after years of campaigning from union and workers for stronger sick pay and parental rights.

The TUC says it is vital the government now gets on and implements the other new rights in the Employment Rights Act in full so workers can start to feel the benefits up and down the country.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“Today is a landmark day for workers. After years of campaigning from unions and workers, the first individual rights from the Employment Rights Act are coming into force – and they will change lives up and down the country.

“Sick pay for all, paid from day one of illness is a huge step forward.

“For too long, low-paid workers – especially women – have missed out on any form of sick pay. And even those who were eligible for statutory sick pay had to wait four days before they could claim it.

"That left many with no choice but to go into work when ill – risking spreading and prolonging their illness. That’s why today’s changes are much needed.

“Stronger parental rights will also be a boost – particularly paternity leave available for dads from day one in a job.

“Change can’t come soon enough for workers. It’s now vital the government to get on with delivering the rest of the Employment Rights Act in full.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

- About the TUC: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.3 million working people who make up our 47 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.