Unions demand rise in ‘miserly’ sick pay

Unions are stepping up calls for an increase in statutory sick pay (SSP) after research suggested it was at its lowest level in almost 20 years.

The TUC said its study showed the last time SSP was lower was in 2003, adding it was worth £3 per week less in real terms now than at the start of the pandemic.

It warned hundreds of thousands of workers could be self-isolating without decent sick pay this Christmas, relying on “miserly” SSP or receiving nothing at all.

The TUC claimed the UK has the least generous SSP in Europe, worth £96.35 a week and only available to employees earning £120 a week or more meaning two million workers, mostly women, do not qualify.

Ministers were urged to extend SSP protection to every worker by removing the lower earnings limit, and increase the amount to at least the value of the voluntary “real living wage” of £346 a week.

TUC general secretary Frances O’grady said: “No one should be forced to choose between self-isolating or putting food on the table.

“This is the reality for millions of workers who rely on our miserly statutory sick pay, or get no sick pay at all because they don’t earn enough.”

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “It is unacceptable that in 21st-century Britain anyone should feel they can’t afford to get sick.”

A government spokesman said: “Statutory Sick Pay is just one part of the support available.

“People who can’t work while selfisolating may also be eligible for a £500 support payment.

“They may also be able to claim Universal Credit or New Style Employment and Support Allowance.”