The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has promised that over one million individuals will be “£100 better off” with a forthcoming change this coming April. The DWP is set to revamp Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), guaranteeing workers can receive either 80% of their average weekly earnings or the current SSP rate of £118.75, should they have a health issue impeding their work capacity.
This reform forms a cornerstone of the government’s Plan for Change agenda, aimed at bolstering workers’ financial support. The government estimates that these modifications, designed to allow 1.3 million people to take necessary time off without the pressure of losing income, may prevent them from leaving their jobs due to health problems.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner previously lauded the strategy: “What we put into our workforce, we get back and more. That’s why we’re making Statutory Sick Pay a right for every worker for the first time so people can stay in work rather than risk dropping out.”
She heralded the move as indicative of “This is a pro-worker, pro-business government in action – boosting productivity, while ensuring people don’t have to choose between health and wealth, helping deliver our Plan for Change.”
Additionally, Work and Pensions secretary Liz Kendall commented on the need for change: “For too long, sick workers have had to decide between staying at home and losing a day’s pay or soldiering on at their own risk just to make ends meet.
“No one should ever have to choose between their health and earning a living, which is why we are making this landmark change. The new rate is good for workers and fair on businesses as part our plan to boost rights and Make Work Pay, while delivering our Plan for Change.”
In response to the policy changes, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Nobody should be plunged into hardship when they become ill. These reforms will stop millions from facing a financial cliff edge if they get sick.”
Making statutory sick pay available to all workers – and from day one – shows why the government’s Employment Rights Bill is so important. With sick pay rights from the first day of sickness, you will know that your family is protected. And you can take the time you need to recover.
“We hope this is the start of a programme of sick pay reform and will continue to make the case for higher future sick pay rates.”
What are the current SSP rates?
Workers who receive Statutory Sick Pay can currently receive £116.78 per week if they are too sick to work. Present regulations stipulate that an employer can provide this for up to 28 weeks.
The SSP will be paid for each day you would have worked if you were not sick, except for the initial three. However, you can be compensated for the first three working days if you received SSP within the preceding eight weeks, which must have included a three-day waiting period before SSP was initially paid.
Also, if you hold more than one job, you may be eligible for SSP from each employer. However, bear in mind that tax and National Insurance contributions can be deducted.
Who qualifies for SSP?
According to official guidelines, you may be eligible for SSP if you:
- Are classed as an employee and have done some work for your employer
- Have been ill for more than three days in a row, including non-working days
- Earn an average of at least £123 per week.
- Are categorised as an employee and have performed some work for your employer.
You must also inform your employer that you are unable to work before their set deadline, or within seven days if no deadline has been established. Claimants could forfeit a portion of their SSP if they fail to notify their employer in a timely manner.
You will also be ineligible if you have already received the maximum amount of SSP (28 weeks) or are currently receiving Statutory Maternity Pay.
Full details on SSP can be found here.
