Sick pay: Low paid workers to get 80% of salary when ill

Published On Mar 3, 2025, 7:12 AM

The UK government plans to allow over one million low-paid workers to receive up to 80% of their weekly salary as sick pay from the first day of illness. This is expected to improve the rights of workers without needing to choose between health and earning a living. While unions advocate for a higher sick pay threshold, the changes are aimed at improving living standards and reducing reliance on benefits. However, businesses are concerned about potential impacts on growth due to these increased employment rights, alongside rising minimum wage and National Insurance costs.