Up to 9.6 million workers are set to benefit from new measures being introduced through the Employment Rights Act
Sick pay rules are changing for millions of workers from today.
Under the old rules, you would only qualify for statutory sick pay when you are ill for more than three days in a row. But from today, sick pay will be available from the first full day of absence from work.
The lower earnings limit to qualify for statutory sick pay has also been removed. You previously had to earn on average at least £125 a week, before tax.
Statutory sick pay is paid at 80% of your average weekly earnings, or £123.25 a week, whichever is lower. It can be paid for up to 28 weeks. Many companies have enhanced sick pay schemes and pay more than this.
Up to 9.6 million workers are set to benefit from stronger statutory sick pay, according to new analysis published by the TUC. The new rules are part of the Employment Rights Act which came into force from April 6.
Other new measures coming into effect from today include day one paternity rights. Employees previously had to work for their employer for 26 weeks up to any day in the “qualifying week” before they are eligible for paternity leave.
The “qualifying week” is the 15th week before the baby is due. Statutory paternity leave in the UK is one or two weeks and is paid at a weekly rate of £194.32, or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
You may get paid more if your employer has an enhanced company paternity scheme. You will also be able to request unpaid parental leave from day one of your job from today.
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.”
