Seven million workers will receive sick pay from day one in a ‘once-in-a-generation’ overhaul of workers’ rights

Under new laws, employees will be entitled to claim sick pay from their first day at work.

The government is expected to entitle more than seven million people under changes to be unveiled on Thursday.

Currently, most people are only allowed to claim sick pay on the fourth day of their illness.

Labor will announce a so-called ‘once-in-a-generation’ review of workers’ rights in the Employment Rights Bill.

The probationary period – which can currently last up to two years – is also expected to be shortened to six months and staff will be offered protection against unfair dismissal from their first day of work.

Labor will give seven million workers the right to sick pay from day one in a ‘once-in-a-generation’ overhaul of workers’ rights

Women will also be able to apply for maternity benefits from their first day at work, instead of having to wait six months (archive photo)

Women will be given the right to apply for maternity benefits from day one, instead of waiting six months. Ministers have also promised to strengthen protections for new mothers against unfair dismissal.

However, small businesses’ hopes for a government fund to compensate them for the costs of more sick leave are likely to be dashed. But ministers have made some concessions to businesses, including giving up a legal ‘right to switch off’.

The plans could provoke a backlash from companies concerned about the burden and costs of the new rights, and from unions who believe they do not go far enough.

Tory MP Gareth Davies said: ‘Only Labor can come up with an unfunded tax increase. Not only will it cost the treasury money, it will also hit growth and investment.”

Some details of the reforms will be decided by ministers with devolved powers, after Labor pledged to enact the new laws within 100 days of taking office.

A government source said: ‘Our plan to make work pay has always been about delivering economic growth by increasing safety for working people, improving productivity and creating a level playing field for businesses. Ensuring that people get sick pay when they need it is critical to that mission.”