Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Acknowledged
Review Statutory Sick Pay operation for agency workers and propose legislative amendments for clarity.
Recommendation
The statutory framework for Statutory Sick Pay is causing particular problems for recruitment companies in respect of the payment of agency workers. It is not sufficiently clear when a day is a qualifying day for agency workers or how a recruitment company might properly end their liability for paying SSP in respect of such workers. The Government should review the operation of Statutory Sick Pay in respect of agency workers and if necessary set out proposals for amending secondary legislation to provide the necessary clarity to those employing them. (Paragraph 76) Statutory Sick Pay 37
Government Response Summary
The government committed to updating its guidance on SSP for agency workers following changes in the Employment Rights Bill. Officials will also explore with stakeholders how to further improve clarity, including guidance, regarding SSP for agency workers, but did not commit to a formal review or legislative changes.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government welcomes the insight from the WPSC and stakeholders who have provided views through the call for evidence as part of this inquiry into this complex area of the SSP system. We will be updating our guidance in due course to account for the changes to SSP as part of the Employment Rights Bill. The department’s officials will explore with representative organisations, employers and employees to understand what more can be done to improve the clarity, including guidance, regarding the operation of SSP for agency workers. 9