TWO million of the UK’s lowest paid workers could become eligible for sick pay under proposals launched today.
The proposed measures include lowering the eligibility threshold for sick pay as well as offering small businesses who help employees return to work a rebate.
Under current legislation, financial support is only available to those listed as employees earning an average of £118 a week – equivalent to working 14 hours on the adult minimum wage.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said that extending the lower limit would bring millions more people into the eligibility bracket.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Too many still face challenges returning to work after sick leave.
“We need to remove the barriers that stop people with disabilities or health conditions from reaching their full potential – these steps will help us achieve that.
“Businesses will also benefit from being able to retain talent, and build workplaces that support the physical and mental health needs of their employees.”
But Mark Hodgkinson, chief executive at disability equality charity Scope, said while he welcomed the consultation on the “out of date, inflexible” Statutory Sick Pay system, some current flaws have not been included.
He continued: “Disabled people would still face the stark choice between working when unwell or struggling to make ends meet.
“A sick pay system that offers support which is flexible, fair, and right away should be a priority for the next government.”
The 28-week cap on how long a person can claim sick pay would not be changed.
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