Employees will now receive Statutory Sick Pay from their first day of sickness absence – rather than having to wait until the fourth day, regardless of how much they’re getting paid.
The reforms are expected to help reduce the duration of sickness absences, boost productivity, and limit the spread of illnesses. New fathers and partners have also gained the right to paternity leave from the first day in a new job – rather than having to wait six months to be eligible. New day one rights to unpaid parental leave have also begun, which will benefit working parents across the UK who will no longer have to wait a year before qualifying.
