Sick pay, maternity benefits and stronger job protections for seven million promised under new Labour plans

MORE than seven million workers will gain sick pay, maternity benefits and stronger job protections under Labour plans.

The Employment Rights Bill, set to be announced on Thursday, will introduce sick pay from the very first day of illness.

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Women will gain immediate access to maternity pay from the first day of employment.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds also plans to limit probation periods to six months.

Zero-hour contracts deemed exploitative are also set to be axed.

But the workers’ rights plan could spark a backlash from businesses, who are already concerned the changes will pile on costs.

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Shadow business minister Gareth Bacon said: “Workers will suffer when businesses stop hiring due to the extra burdens imposed by the Labour government.”