Millions gain access to sick pay and parental leave

Employees will now receive Statutory Sick Pay from their first day of sickness absence – rather than having to wait until the fourth day, regardless of how much they’re getting paid. This will benefit millions of people across the United Kingdom, who will get around 400 million a year extra in sick pay.   

By ensuring people can rest and recover without fear of losing income, the reforms are expected to help reduce the duration of sickness absences, boost productivity, and limit the spread of illnesses.

32,000 new fathers and partners have also gained the right to paternity leave from the first day in a new job – rather than having to wait six months to be eligible. New day one rights to unpaid parental leave have also begun, which will benefit 1.5 million working parents across the UK who will no longer have to wait a year before qualifying.   

Business secretary, Peter Kyle said: “Day one rights mean exactly that: rights that are there for you from the moment you start a job, and from the moment you get sick.  

“Whether you’re a low-paid employee who’s been forced to work while unwell, or a new parent who wants to be there for their family, these changes are for you. We’re delivering the most significant upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation” 

Parents will also be granted a new right to time off following the death of a child’s mother or primary adopter, through new Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave – hard fought for by campaigners including Aaron Horsey and the charity Gingerbread.  

The Fair Work Agency launched on 7th April, bringing together three separate agencies to ensure employment rights can be enforced more effectively and efficiently.  

Employment rights minister, Kate Dearden said: “No one should have to drag themselves into work when they’re unwell because they can’t afford not to — and no new parent should miss out on time with their child because they haven’t been in their job long enough.  

“These reforms put that right. This is what it means to make work pay for everyone.” 

Minister for employment, Dame Diana Johnson said: “No one should ever have to choose between their health and earning a living.

“For too long, sick employees have had to make the impossible decision between losing out on a day’s pay or returning to work while ill.

“Today’s landmark changes will support employees to recover while providing businesses with the peace of mind that their workforce can return to work healthier and more productive.”