The changes mean employees will receive statutory sick pay from their first day of sickness absence, rather than waiting until the fourth day. According to multiple reports, this is expected to result in workers receiving an extra £400 million a year in sick pay. These reforms are the first tranche of measures from the flagship Employment Rights Act, with the government stating they ensure people can rest and recover without fear of losing income.
Union leaders have hailed it as a landmark day for workers after a long battle, with TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak describing it as a huge step forward that will change lives. In addition, tens of thousands of workers will have new paternity leave rights, though the exact number benefiting remains unclear. Other unknowns include the specific criteria defining 'low-paid workers' eligible for statutory sick pay for the first time, what other measures are included in the Employment Rights Act beyond sick pay and paternity leave, how the £400 million extra in sick pay will be funded or distributed, and the timeline for the full implementation of the Employment Rights Act.