Government says new rights for parental leave and sick pay will increase equality and economic growth
Women will disproportionately benefit from new workers’ rights measures rolled out from next month, according to research.
The TUC said approximately 4.7 million women are to benefit from stronger sick pay from April, including more than 830,000 who will receive statutory sick pay for the first time.
These are the lowest-paid women, who are currently not eligible to receive sick pay because they earn below the threshold of 125 a week, the study found.
The TUC said low-paid workers, especially women, have missed out on any form of sick pay for too long, leaving them with no choice but to go into work when they are ill.
As well as stronger sick pay, from April fathers and partners will have a day-one right to paternity leave, and all parents will gain the day-one right to unpaid parental leave under changes from the Employment Rights Act.
Paul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, said: “For too long women have borne the brunt of a sick pay system that is not fit for purpose, and a culture of exploitative, insecure work.
“That’s why the Employment Rights Act is an important step forward for women at work.”
A government spokesperson said: “The Employment Rights Act is a huge boost for women in the workplace – introducing enhanced protections for pregnant women and new mothers, menopause action plans for large employers and rights for parental leave from day one.
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