Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Given the comparatively high proportion of low paid workers in Wales, we were concerned to...
Recommendation
Given the comparatively high proportion of low paid workers in Wales, we were concerned to hear of issues regarding the eligibility criteria for Statutory Sick Pay. While we acknowledge that there may be other support available to unwell workers, the pandemic has highlighted the dangers of someone attending work when they are unwell. Sick pay benefits wider society, not just the sick, and we would welcome the UK Government reviewing the eligibility criteria for this benefit. (Paragraph 82) The Benefits System in Wales 43
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states it has already improved work incentives in Universal Credit in response to a report, cutting the taper rate and increasing work allowances.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
Statutory Sick Pay should not be looked at in isolation, more than half of employees (60%) receive more than the statutory minimum from their employer. In the response to ‘Health is Everyone’s Business’ consultation published in 2021, the UK Government stated the pandemic was not the right time to introduce changes to the rate of Statutory Sick Pay, or its eligibility criteria, as this would have placed an immediate and direct cost on employers at a time where many were struggling. As we learn to live with Covid-19, the UK Government is continuing to take a broader look at the role of Statutory Sick Pay and is keeping the system under review. Any further changes will be announced to Parliament. The UK Government will not provide a further update to the Committee.
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