London: Up to 9.6 million UK workers are set to benefit from statutory sick pay reforms, according to unions, amid strong public support despite concerns from some employers.
From Monday, around 8.4 million employees who rely on statutory sick pay, the minimum amount employers are required to pay, will receive payment from the first day of illness instead of the fourth day, according to analysis by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
Additionally, 1.2 million workers who previously earned too little to qualify for statutory sick pay under the £125-a-week threshold will now be eligible.
NEW🚨| 9.6 million workers set to benefit from stronger sick pay as of today.
* 1.2 million workers – majority low-paid women – get access to statutory sick for the first time.
* 8.4 million will get sick pay from the first day of illness – instead of having to wait four days.— Trades Union Congress (@The_TUC) April 6, 2026
The TUC highlighted that these changes will disproportionately benefit women, who are overrepresented in low-paid and part-time roles, as well as disabled workers, younger employees, and older staff.
The TUC emphasized that expanding statutory sick pay will reduce financial pressure on lower-income households, removing the difficult choice between risking the spread of illness or losing essential income.
These reforms form part of the first tranche of rights under the Employment Rights Act 2025, which also introduces protections against sexual harassment, expands parental leave, and strengthens trade union recognition.
The Labour government’s policy has been widely supported across political lines, with 76 percent of survey respondents agreeing that workers should receive statutory sick pay from day one.
However, some employers have raised concerns that the new statutory sick pay rules, combined with broader provisions in the Employment Rights Act, could strain already stretched balance sheets.
Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, noted that companies are grappling with rising national minimum wages, higher payroll taxes, and energy price increases linked to the war with Iran.
Carberry added that the financial pressures have already forced some employers to cut staff and raise prices. The CEO cautioned that the new statutory sick pay rules could create operational challenges if firms are not given clear guidance, warning that a small minority of workers might attempt to exploit the system.
The introduction of comprehensive statutory sick pay represents a significant step toward protecting UK workers, supporting lower-income households, and ensuring employees can stay home when ill without financial hardship.
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