43% of employers say sick pay from day one will have the biggest impact at work – Acas

New sick pay rules in the Employment Rights Act 2025 are expected to have the biggest impact at work, according to research from Acas.

43% of employers said paying sick pay from the first day of illness, not the fourth, would affect them most. 

36% of workers agreed it would be their biggest change.

The second most important reform for employers and workers was protection from unfair dismissal after six months in a job, instead of two years. 

31% of employers and 30% of workers picked this as having the biggest impact.

Employers put new paternity leave rights from day one of employment as their third priority, with 28% choosing it. 

Workers put flexible working changes as their third biggest change, also at 28%.

Niall Mackenzie, CEO of Acas, said: “It is clear from our polls that new worker rights on sick pay and protections from being unfairly dismissed from work are at the forefront in the minds of employers and workers.

“Acas will play a crucial role working with employers, workers and their representatives on the implementation of the employment rights act and updating its advice and training.

“These reforms represent the biggest shake-up to employment law in a generation. Acas remain best placed as independent experts helping everyone at work throughout this period of change.”