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

Government says new rights for parental leave and sick pay will increase equality and economic growthWomen 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. “Women thriving in the workplace is not just important for equality but for boosting economic growth.” Shared parental leave, which allows parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay after the birth or adoption of a child, was introduced in 2014. New fathers can take two weeks’ paid leave at a rate of either £187.18 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lowest.Research last year found that mothers lose an average of £65,618 in pay by the time their first child turns

Mar 08, 2026 &03010808202631; 00:01 UTC www.theguardian.com Trending 2/5

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Positive for markets

Sentiment score: +65/100

Moderate impact Medium-term (weeks)

WHAT THIS MEANS

The UK Employment Rights Act introduces enhanced worker protections effective April, benefiting approximately 4.7 million women through expanded sick pay eligibility, day-one paternity leave, and parental leave rights. The government expects these measures to reduce workplace inequality and support economic growth, particularly benefiting low-paid workers previously excluded from statutory sick pay.

AI CONFIDENCE

75% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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FTSE MIB (Italy)

FTSEMIB.MIIndex

Expected to rise

Positive sentiment on UK labor market reforms supporting consumer spending and economic growth

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S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

Expected to rise

Global positive sentiment on progressive labor policies and potential productivity gains

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British Pound / US Dollar

GBPUSDCurrency

Expected to rise

UK economic growth expectations from increased consumer spending and workforce participation

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Consider long positions in UK consumer-focused equities and GBP strength as expanded worker protections boost household incomes and economic activity. Monitor implementation details in April for potential labor cost impacts on corporate margins.

KEY SIGNALS

Expansion of statutory sick pay eligibility to 830,000+ previously uncovered workersDay-one paternity and parental leave rights increase workforce participationGovernment commitment to workplace equality and economic growthReduced financial burden on low-income households improving consumer spending capacity

SECTORS INVOLVED

Consumer DiscretionaryHealthcareIndustrialsFinancials

Analysis generated on Mar 09, 2026 at 17:05 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by The Guardian Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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

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