Labour Introduces 80% Sick Pay Guarantee for Low-Paid Workers

New reforms will extend statutory sick pay to 1.3 million UK workers earning below £123 per week, starting from the first day of illness.

The reforms will guarantee sick pay of 80% of weekly wages or the standard statutory rate of £118.75, whichever is lower, for low-paid workers.
Workers earning below £123 per week, previously excluded, will now be eligible for statutory sick pay under the new system.
Sick pay will begin from the first day of illness, removing the current three-day waiting period for eligibility.
The changes are part of Labour's Employment Rights Bill, aimed at improving living standards and reducing reliance on welfare benefits.
Business groups have expressed concerns about potential challenges in managing short-notice absences, while unions are calling for further increases to the sick pay rate.