The UK government is set to announce new rights for workers, including significant changes to sick pay and parental leave. The Employment Rights Bill, which contains 28 reforms, is being hailed as the most significant boost to pay and productivity in decades.
One of the key changes to sick pay is that Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be available from the first day of illness, eliminating the previous waiting period. Additionally, the earnings threshold will be removed, allowing even those earning less than £123 per week to qualify for support. This change aims to provide better support for workers who fall ill, especially in light of the challenges highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new SSP rules are expected to be rolled out in phases starting in 2025. While the changes are comprehensive, some very small or newly established businesses may initially be granted exemptions due to financial considerations.
In terms of parental leave, the current requirement of 26 weeks’ continuous employment to qualify for paternity leave will be removed. Under the new rules, both paternity leave and parental leave will become day one rights, available from the first day of employment. This change will provide working parents with more flexibility to meet their family obligations and seek better employment opportunities without feeling constrained.
The Labour Party’s Plan To Make Work Pay includes a full review of the parental leave system to ensure it meets the needs of working families. By making parental leave a day one right, Labour aims to reduce the impact of parental income on children’s opportunities and provide greater flexibility for working parents.
The reforms to parental leave are also expected to take effect in 2025, with further details on the implementation timeline to be announced. These changes represent a significant step towards creating a healthier workplace culture and offering more support to workers who need time off due to illness or to care for their families.