The UK’s New Employment Rights Bill: A Holistic Approach to Employee Wellbeing

The UK Government recently unveiled its Employment Rights Bill presenting a comprehensive reform aimed at enhancing workers' rights across several key areas, including sick pay, parental leave, and flexible working practices. This development provides employers with a renewed opportunity to align their benefits strategies with employee wellbeing — something YuLife is passionate about supporting.

Statutory sick pay reform: Immediate support when It’s needed most

One of the most significant changes announced is that workers will now be entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) from their very first day of illness, rather than waiting until the fourth day. Furthermore, the minimum earning limit of £123 per week to qualify for SSP has been removed. This ensures that part-time and low-income workers, who often face the toughest choices when it comes to taking sick leave, are no longer excluded.

YuLife’s CEO, Sammy Rubin, emphasised the significance of these reforms, saying: “The expansion of sick pay eligibility is a clear win for employees, as it eases the financial pressure they might face while dealing with illness or injury. This change will be particularly beneficial for part-time and lower-paid workers, as the previous £123 per week earnings threshold will no longer restrict their access to support.”

With statistics showing that more than three-quarters of employees state they have worked while ill in the past year, these changes are timely and crucial. Employers now have a chance to prioritise employee health and reduce presenteeism — a key factor that impacts both productivity and wellbeing.

Proactive, not reactive: YuLife’s vision for employee wellbeing

Beyond the immediate financial relief these new measures offer, there is also a strategic opportunity for businesses to shift from a reactive approach towards employee wellbeing to a more proactive one. Rather than waiting until an employee becomes unwell, employers can invest in preventative measures that enhance overall health. 

When you provide employee benefits through YuLife, our innovative employee app gives your team the opportunity to take part in fun, daily wellbeing challenges, with added incentives in the form of our virtual currency, YuCoin, which can be redeemed for vouchers at leading retailers and charities. The data shows that this drives huge engagement and encourages employees to build healthier habits, ultimately reducing the likelihood of illness.

Rubin adds, “Instead of primarily reacting to situations where employees fall ill for extended periods, businesses have the opportunity to take a more proactive approach. By prioritising the enhancement of employees' health and wellbeing from the outset, companies can reduce the risk of many common health issues before they arise.”

Flexible working and parental support

The Employment Rights Bill also outlines significant reforms to parental and flexible working rights. Paternity leave will be available from the first day of employment, and both unpaid parental leave and bereavement leave will become immediate entitlements for employees. Flexible working will be treated as the default option unless an employer can demonstrate it is not feasible.

These developments align closely with YuLife’s mission of promoting a better work-life balance. Flexible benefits such as access to mental health resources through an Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing rewards through our app can complement these statutory changes, helping employers build a workplace culture that prioritises flexibility and employee wellbeing.

Addressing the gender pay gap and women’s health in the workplace

The Bill also takes strides to close the gender pay gap and better support women in the workplace. Large employers will be required to create action plans addressing pay disparities and to develop policies around menopause support. This is a crucial step, given that many women continue to face challenges balancing work with health needs.

Almost a third of women say they feel unsupported by their employers when managing health issues, leading to significant losses for the economy. YuLife offers tailored support for women, including mental health resources, menopause support and wellbeing initiatives designed to empower female employees and support their health throughout different life stages.

Embracing a holistic approach to employee wellbeing

At YuLife, we believe that wellbeing extends beyond statutory rights. While the new Employment Rights Bill sets a positive foundation, businesses can go further by adopting a holistic approach that considers the whole employee journey — from physical health to financial wellbeing. 

Our gamified app encourages your employees to take proactive steps toward their health, offering rewards through our YuCoin system that can be redeemed for meaningful benefits. By prioritising prevention, flexibility, and mental health, organisations like yours can create a thriving, engaged workforce that is prepared for a brighter future.