The UK’s lowest-paid workers will soon be entitled to statutory sick pay worth 80% of their weekly earnings from the first day of illness. The policy, part of a broader employment rights reform, aims to improve financial security for those earning less than £123 per week, who currently receive no sick pay.
The change is expected to benefit 1.3 million workers in roles such as cleaning and care work, helping them stay afloat financially without having to rely on benefits. The government argues that the move will support both workers and businesses, ensuring that employees no longer have to choose between their health and a day’s wages.
Expanding Statutory Sick Pay to the Lowest Earners
Under the current system, workers earning below £123 per week do not qualify for statutory sick pay (SSP), according to the Resolution Foundation. Those above this threshold receive £116.75 per week, rising to £118.75 from April 2025, but only after three consecutive sick days.
With the planned reforms, low-paid workers will receive 80% of their weekly earnings from their first day of illness. According to government estimates, this could make some individuals up to £100 better off per week.
The measure is particularly aimed at those juggling multiple low-paid jobs, such as cleaners and carers, who often lack access to workplace benefits.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall described the move as a “landmark change”, arguing that no worker should have to choose between their health and their income. “The new rate is good for workers and fair on businesses,” she said, adding that the reform is part of a broader strategy to “boost rights and make work pay”.
Workers’ Rights Groups Call for Further Improvements
While the policy marks a significant shift, it has drawn mixed reactions from trade unions and workers’ rights groups. According to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the new rate is an improvement but still falls short of expectations.
TUC Secretary General Paul Nowak welcomed the increase but urged ministers to raise the replacement rate beyond 80%, arguing that the lowest earners should receive at least 95% of their weekly pay. He also called for a wider review of statutory sick pay, which remains one of the lowest among developed economies.
The sick pay reform will be included in the upcoming employment rights bill, which is set to introduce other workplace changes, including extending probationary periods to nine months.
However, plans for a legal right to disconnect from work outside office hours—which had been considered—are not expected to be included.
