New Employment Rights Act a huge boost for women in the workplace'

"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."

"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."

"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."

New workers' rights measures beginning in April will disproportionately benefit women, particularly low-paid workers. The TUC reports that 4.7 million women will gain access to stronger sick pay, including 830,000 lowest-paid women currently ineligible due to earning below £125 weekly. These changes address a long-standing gap where low-paid workers, predominantly women, had no sick pay access and faced pressure to work while ill. Alongside enhanced sick pay, fathers and partners gain day-one paternity leave rights, and all parents receive day-one unpaid parental leave under the Employment Rights Act. Additional protections include enhanced provisions for pregnant women and new mothers, menopause action plans for large employers, and recognition that workplace equality supports economic growth.

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