Workers will be given rights to claim sick pay from their first day on the job under new laws.

The government is expected to give more than seven million people the entitlement under changes to be unveiled on Thursday. At present, most people are not allowed to claim sick pay until the fourth day of their illness.

Labor will announce what it calls a ‘once-in-a-generation’ overhaul of workers’ rights in the Employment Rights Bill.

Probation periods, which can currently last as long as two years, are also expected to be shortened to six months, and staff will get protection against unfair dismissal from their first day at work.

Women are set to be entitled to apply for maternity pay from their first day rather than waiting six months. Ministers have also vowed to strengthen protection for new mothers against unfair dismissal.However, small-business hopes for a government fund to compensate them for the cost of more sick pay are likely to be dashed. But ministers have offered some concessions to businesses, including abandoning a statutory ‘right to switch off’.The plans could spark a backlash from businesses, which are concerned about the burden and cost of the new rights, and unions which think they do not go far enough."Only Labour could come up with an unfunded tax rise," stated Tory MP Gareth Davies. Not only would it hurt the Exchequer, but it will also hinder investment and growth.Having promised to deliver the new legislation within 100 days of gaining office, Labour has delegated some powers to ministers to decide on some aspects of the reforms. According to a government source, "Our plan to make work pay has always been about delivering economic growth by improving productivity, leveling the playing field for businesses, and increasing security for working people." Ensuring sick pay for individuals in need is essential to fulfilling that purpose.