WOMEN will benefit from new workers’ rights measures rolled out from next month, according to research.

Around 4.7 million women are set to gain from stronger sick pay from April, the TUC said, including more than 830,000 lowest-paid women receiving statutory sick pay for the first time.

They are currently ineligible because they earn below the £125 weekly threshold.

The TUC said low-paid workers, especially women, have missed out on sick pay for too long, leaving them with no choice but to work when ill.

From April, fathers and partners will also have a day one right to paternity leave, and all parents will gain the day one right to unpaid parental leave under changes from the Employment Rights Act.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “For too long women have borne the brunt of a sick pay system that is not fit for purpose, and a culture of exploitative, insecure work.

“That’s why the Employment Rights Act is an important step forward for women at work.”

A government spokesperson said: “Women thriving in the workplace is not just important for equality but for boosting economic growth.”