Recommendation 16

HM Government Not Addressed

Reject. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) eligibility is based, in part, on the amount an individual earns per week rather than the amount of hours they are contracted to work. Those on zero-hour contracts may therefore be entitled to sick pay if they meet all eligibility criteria, which includes being classed as an employee and having average earnings of at least £120 per week. SSP is just one part of the welfare safety net and the Government’s wider offer to support people in times of need. Where an individual requires further financial support while off work sick, for example where their income is reduced while on SSP or they are not eligible for SSP, they may be eligible for support through the welfare system, which the Government has strengthened to help people through these unprecedented times. Many of those earning below the LEL are already in receipt of welfare benefits. The Health Is Everyone’s Business consultation, published July 2019, set out a number of proposals to reduce ill-health related job loss, including reforming SSP. As part of this consultation the Government sought views on the rate of SSP and the role that employers can and should play in supporting employees who are disabled or have long-term health conditions to stay in and thrive in work. This included setting out that the Government is minded to extend SSP to those earning below the lower earnings limit, who are not currently eligible for financial support from their employer during a period of sickness absence. There was a good response to the consultation from a range of stakeholders and a response will be issued shortly.