Backing for all workers to get cash from employers as 2m miss out on sick pay
MOST people believe all workers should receive sick pay from their employer if they are affected by the coronavirus, research suggests.
The TUC said its study supported union demands for the Government to respond to the crisis by bringing forward emergency support for the almost two million workers who are currently missing out on Statutory
Sick Pay (SSP).
The union organisation warned ministers that inadequate provision of sick pay posed a threat to public health, since many workers will struggle to meet basic costs if they can’t attend work for a prolonged period.
Some people may feel they have no choice but to go to work while ill, or against Government advice, said the TUC.
The Government announced last week that SSP will be paid from the first day workers take off in an attempt to encourage people to stay away from work if they are unwell.
But unions want the Government to go further, amid warnings that some groups, such as the self-employed, would not be covered.
The TUC is also calling for the current rate of SSP, £94.25 a week, to be increased to ensure workers can afford to follow public health advice.
A survey of 2,000 people for the TUC found 85 per cent believed all workers should get sick pay if they are affected by the coronavirus.
TUC general secretary Frances O’grady said: “A massive majority of voters agree no-one should be left out of pocket because they’ve done the right thing and followed Government health advice.
“But, currently, many people won’t even be able to cover their rent and bills if they fall ill or have to take time off.
“Government needs to stop making excuses and immediately reform sick pay legislation so it covers all workers at a decent rate.
“It’s the sensible way to give working families the security they need – and to protect public health.
“Nothing is stopping employers doing the right thing right now, and pledging that any worker who has to self-isolate on medical advice, or who gets sick, will get full pay while they’re off work.”
More than 23,500 people in the UK have now been tested for coronavirus in the UK.
On Saturday night, three more people were diagnosed in Northern Ireland, pushing its total to seven, and it was announced yesterday morning that the number of confirmed cases in Wales had risen from two to four.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will today chair a meeting of the Government’s emergency committee, Cobra, while sports governing bodies and broadcasters will attend a meeting with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to discuss how to handle the outbreak’s possible impact on the sporting calendar.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will chair a meeting of the House of Commons Commission to discuss Parliament’s response.
Meanwhile, Environment Secretary George Eustice will hold further talks with retailers to discuss support for vulnerable groups who may have to self-isolate.
Commenting on reports of people panic-buying in shops yesterday, Mr Johnson said: “We’ve had no advice from the scientific advisers or medical officers that there’s any need for people to buy stuff in.
“If you think you have symptoms, the best thing to do, as you know, is to stay at home and contact the NHS.”
One unnamed man diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK told Radio 4 he was “shocked” by the lack of information when he arrived at Manchester Airport after a skiing holiday in northern Italy last weekend.
Immediately self-isolating at home with his wife, he said the experience of being tested was “frightening”.