Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed a new sick leave rule for all UK workers ahead of his departure as Prime Minister. The Labour Party leader is set to leave Number 10 Downing Street, prompting a reappraisal of his policies and achievements while in office.
Key Achievement: Workers' Rights Shake-Up
Political podcasts have cited Starmer's workers' rights shake-up, which began in April, as one of his key achievements. The government confirmed the "biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation through the Employment Rights Act" in a press release, delivering day one paternity and parental leave as well as major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay.
New Sick Pay Rules from April 2026
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be available to all eligible employees regardless of their earnings and payable from the first full day of sickness absence. The change ensures workers can take time off when sick without worrying about going without pay, the government has said.
Starmer's Statement on the Reforms
At the time, Starmer said: "No matter the global uncertainty, my government will always be on the side of the British people in bearing down on the cost of living. I will never lose sight of how restless people are for change, and I am proud that today we are lifting nearly half a million children out of poverty, boosting support for pensioners, and delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation."
Context of Global Uncertainty
Starmer added: "I know families across the country are concerned about the conflict in Iran and what it means for the cost of living. We are working closely with international partners to push for a de-escalation in the Middle East and the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. This is the most effective way to ease the pressure on the cost of living. I am clear that our response to the current global situation will define us for a generation, which is why we are taking the right long-term decisions now to ensure we emerge from this as a stronger, more secure nation."
